One gunman killed, two injured in daylight shooting near Israeli consulate in Istanbul

Chronology of the confrontation

According to statements released by Turkish authorities, a group of three armed individuals approached the Israeli consulate located in the bustling Besiktas district. The assailants arrived in a rental vehicle that had originated from the city of Izmit. Upon reaching the vicinity of the Israeli consulate, the three gunmen opened fire, prompting an immediate response from law‑enforcement personnel stationed nearby.

Police officers engaged the attackers with firearms, and a protracted exchange of gunfire continued for several minutes. Video clips circulating on social media captured the moment when one of the gunmen fell after being struck by police fire. The confrontation concluded with the neutralisation of one attacker, while the remaining two perpetrators sustained gunshot wounds and were taken into custody.

Official statements from Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci addressed the incident in a press briefing, stating that the three assailants had travelled from Izmit to Istanbul using a rental car. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci identified two of the attackers as brothers and confirmed that the third attacker, who was killed during the gunfight, was named Yunus E.S.

Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci further disclosed that the gunmen were armed with a combination of rifles and pistols. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci noted that two police officers incurred injuries described as “slightly injured,” with one officer hit in the leg and the other injured in the ear. Turkish Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci emphasised that the injuries to the officers were not life‑threatening.

Details about the attackers

The interior ministry released the names of all three gunmen involved in the operation. Yunus E.S. was the individual who lost his life during the exchange of fire. The two surviving attackers were identified as Onur Ç and Enus Ç, who were described as brothers by interior ministry officials.

In a statement posted on X, the interior ministry described Yunus E.S. as “connected to the terrorist organisation that exploits religion.” This phrasing is widely understood to refer to the Islamic State group, although no extremist organization publicly claimed responsibility for the attack.

Governor Davut Gul clarified that contrary to earlier reports suggesting two attackers had died, only Yunus E.S. was killed. Governor Davut Gul confirmed that both Onur Ç and Enus Ç survived the confrontation with gunshot wounds and are currently undergoing medical treatment while remaining in police custody.

Police response and condition of the injured

Police officers arrived at the scene promptly after the first reports of gunfire. The officers returned fire, targeting the three armed men who were positioned near the entrance of the Israeli consulate. The engagement lasted long enough for bystanders to report a sustained period of loud gunfire lasting roughly fifteen to twenty minutes.

Two police officers were struck during the clash. One officer sustained a gunshot wound to the leg, while the other officer was injured in the ear. Both officers were evaluated by medical personnel on site and were reported to be in stable condition, with neither injury considered life‑threatening.

Following the cessation of hostilities, the area around the Israeli consulate was cordoned off for several hours. Police vans and additional law‑enforcement units were observed establishing a heavy presence to secure the perimeter and to conduct investigations.

Scene description and eyewitness accounts

Witnesses at the location described the sounds of gunfire as “loud” and noted that the noise persisted for a prolonged interval before police were able to subdue the attackers. Social‑media footage captured the moment when a gunman fell after being hit, and other clips displayed a line of police vehicles and officers forming a barrier around the Israeli consulate.

Unverified videos that circulated online depicted a substantial police deployment, including multiple vans and armored vehicles. The Israeli consulate itself remained shut, with no diplomatic personnel present inside the building during the incident.

The Israeli consulate is situated in Istanbul’s principal business district, an area characterised by high pedestrian traffic and numerous commercial establishments. Despite the proximity to a busy urban centre, the incident took place without any reported civilian casualties beyond the injured attackers and police officers.

Diplomatic context of the Israeli consulate

The Israeli consulate in Istanbul has not hosted any Israeli diplomatic staff for an extended period. The consulate has been empty for more than two years, reflecting a broader cooling of diplomatic relations between Ankara and Tel Aviv. The vacancy of the consulate is attributed to strained ties that have arisen in recent years, particularly concerning the conflict in Gaza.

Given the absence of Israeli diplomats, the attack did not target individuals inside the consulate but rather focused on the premises themselves. The lack of diplomatic presence underscores a period of diplomatic disengagement that has left the consulate largely unoccupied.

Investigation and ongoing inquiries

Turkey’s justice minister announced that a formal investigation into the incident has been launched. The investigation seeks to uncover the motives behind the attack, identify any support networks, and determine whether the perpetrators acted independently or with assistance from an organised group.

According to the interior ministry, intensive digital communication was detected among the three neutralised attackers prior to the incident. Police interrogation of the injured attackers, Onur Ç and Enus Ç, is ongoing, with authorities aiming to extract further intelligence regarding any affiliations or operational planning.

Governor Davut Gul reiterated that the weapons used in the assault comprised both rifles and pistols, indicating a deGree of preparation and access to firearms. The presence of such weaponry, coupled with the use of a rental vehicle to travel from Izmit, suggests a coordinated effort that required logistical planning.

Conclusion

The daylight shooting near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul concluded with the death of Yunus E.S., injuries to Onur Ç and Enus Ç, and minor injuries to two police officers. Turkish officials have provided a detailed account of the attackers, their origins, and the weapons employed. The empty status of the Israeli consulate reflects the broader diplomatic tensions between Turkey and Israel, which have persisted for several years. Ongoing investigations aim to clarify the network behind the attack and to ensure accountability for all involved parties.