Gunmen Killed After Deadly Shooting Near Israeli Consulate in Istanbul

A deadly shooting near the Israeli Consulate Istanbul in Istanbul has left three people dead and two police officers injured, in an incident that has heightened security concerns across the city.

According to Al Jazeera, the attack occurred on Tuesday in the bustling Besiktas district, a major commercial hub filled with offices and international businesses. The gunfire triggered panic among workers and passersby as security forces swiftly engaged the assailants.

Authorities confirmed that the three attackers involved in the incident were neutralised at the scene. The suspects reportedly arrived in a rental car and opened fire before police responded, leading to a gun battle.

An eyewitness recounted the moment the violence erupted, saying, “They came in a car and started shooting, but security forces responded immediately,” highlighting the sudden nature of the attack in a densely populated area.

Turkey’s Interior Minister, Mustafa Ciftci, disclosed that the suspects had been identified and had travelled from Izmit. He revealed that one of them had links to a group exploiting religion, while another had a prior record related to drug offences.

Reacting to the development, Istanbul Governor Davut Gul described the incident as “a provocative act,” while Justice Minister Akin Gurlek confirmed that a full-scale investigation has been launched.

Reporting from the scene, journalist Sinem Koseoglu noted that the consulate is situated within a high-rise building in Yapi Kredi Plaza, an area that accommodates thousands of workers daily. She added that no Israeli diplomats are currently stationed at the consulate or at the embassy in Ankara.

Analysts believe the attack may be connected to wider regional tensions involving Israel. Commenting on the situation, Daily Sabah’s editorial coordinator, Mehmet Celik, said, “It’s a very sensitive matter… given the regional dynamics and rising tensions.”

He further suggested that the attackers may have intended to undermine Turkey’s stability or draw the country deeper into ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the region.

Security has since been reinforced around key diplomatic locations in Istanbul, as authorities continue investigations into the motive behind the attack.