Gunman Killed, Two Injured Outside Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

A gunfight occurred near the building housing the Israeli consulate in Istanbul on April 7, 2026, resulting in the death of one assailant and the capture of two others.

According to Istanbul Governor Davut Gul, three assailants opened fire on police officers outside the consulate. The clash left one gunman dead and two other attackers wounded and in custody.

Two police officers sustained slight injuries during the incident. The attackers were reported to be carrying pistols and long-barreled rifles during the confrontation, which took place in broad daylight within a densely populated business district.

Details of the Attackers

Interior Minister Mustafa Cifti stated that the attackers traveled to Istanbul from the neighboring city of Izmit using a rented car.

Turkish officials revealed that two of the attackers are brothers. One of the assailants has a criminal record related to drugs, and another was linked to a group described as exploiting religion, though the specific organization was not named.

Consulate Status and Investigation

The Israeli consulate is located on the seventh floor of a high-rise building. Officials confirmed that no Israeli diplomats were present in the consulate or the embassy in Ankara at the time of the attack.

Israeli diplomats had previously been withdrawn from Turkey due to deteriorating relations and security concerns following the war in Gaza. The staff currently working within the diplomatic missions are primarily local employees.

Turkey’s Justice Minister Akin Gurlek has announced that an official investigation into the motives and identity of the attackers has been launched.