Gunman Killed, Two Injured in Istanbul Attack on Israeli Consulate

Tue Apr 07 2026 16:51:51 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

A shootout outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul resulted in the death of a gunman and injuries to two policemen, prompting an investigation by local authorities.

A gunman was shot dead and two police officers were injured during an attack on the Israeli consulate in Istanbul. Turkish officials confirmed the attackers had links to a radical organization, believed to be related to the Islamic State. The consulate has been unstaffed for over two years amid tensions between Turkey and Israel. An investigation is underway as police assess the situation and gather evidence from the scene.

A gunman was killed and two were injured in a shootout near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul.

Two policemen were 'slightly injured' in the gun fight, Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said.

Ciftci indicated that the attackers had come to Istanbul from the city of Izmit by rental car, and two of the attackers were brothers.

In a statement on X, the interior ministry named the gunman killed as Yunus E.S., stating he was 'connected to the terrorist organisation that exploits religion.'

This is understood to be a reference to the Islamic State group, although no group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet.

Initially, police reported two attackers had died, but local governor Davut Gul later confirmed that only one had been killed.

The two injured attackers were identified as Onur Ç and Enes Ç, who have been confirmed as brothers.

The two police officers injured were not in life-threatening condition, with one shot in the leg and the other in the ear.

'Intensive digital communication has been detected among the three neutralised terrorists, and the interrogation of the injured terrorists continues,' the ministry reported.

Governor Gul mentioned that the attackers used rifles and pistols in their assault.

He also clarified that no Israeli diplomatic personnel were present in the consulate, which is situated in Istanbul's main business district of Besiktas.

Details from the incident indicated that the gunfight occurred in broad daylight, with videos shared on social media capturing the dramatic moments as police engaged the armed attacker.

A witness reported that the sounds of gunfire were 'loud' and continued for around 15-20 minutes.

Visuals circulating online displayed a significant police presence surrounding the consulate, which was cordoned off for several hours following the attempt.

Currently, there are no Israeli diplomats in Turkey, and the consulate has remained unoccupied for the past two-and-a-half years due to escalating tensions arising from the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The justice minister announced an investigation into the attack is underway.