A gunfight lasting at least 10 minutes erupted today between police and three attackers outside the Israeli consulate building in Istanbul, Turkey, around 12:15 local time (16:15 Hanoi time). The incident resulted in two police officers sustaining minor injuries. One assailant was killed, and the remaining two were injured.

Istanbul Governor Davut Gul told reporters at the scene that the attackers used rifles and pistols. He added that no Israeli diplomatic staff had been present at the consulate for two and a half years.

Authorities have identified the attackers but have not yet released their names. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci stated that the attackers arrived in Istanbul by rental car from Izmit. One of the individuals was reportedly linked to an organization that "exploits the regional situation for its activities".

According to Turkish media, the attacking group may be members of the self-proclaimed Islamic State (IS). In December 2025, IS members opened fire on Turkish police in Yalova, about 90 km southeast of Istanbul, killing three officers and injuring 9 others.

Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began in 2023, heavily armed police forces have been permanently deployed in the area near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul.

Police at the scene of the shooting outside the Israeli consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Photo: AFP

Huyen Le (According to AFP, Reuters)