Turkiye plans to request inclusion in the genocide lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, a Turkish official announced. This move, set to be filed on Wednesday, underscores Turkiye’s strong opposition to Israeli military operations in Gaza and aligns with its broader condemnation of Israeli policies.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing comparisons to Adolf Hitler and accusing Israel of genocide. Erdogan has called for international legal action against Israel and condemned Western nations for supporting it. Earlier this year, Turkiye suspended trade with Israel in response to its Gaza assault.
South Africa initiated the genocide case against Israel late last year, alleging that Israeli military actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention. Israel has countered these claims, asserting that its actions are defensive measures against Hamas, which attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
Several other countries, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain, and Palestinian representatives, have also sought to join the case. The ICJ has yet to decide on these requests, but if granted, these nations would participate in the proceedings by making written submissions and speaking at hearings.
The case is expected to be a lengthy process, with preliminary hearings already in progress. Turkiye's bid to join the case reflects ongoing tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv, which have been marked by periods of both conflict and attempts at reconciliation. The Gaza conflict has further strained diplomatic relations, impacting efforts to normalize ties between the two countries.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been a vocal critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, drawing comparisons to Adolf Hitler and accusing Israel of genocide. Erdogan has called for international legal action against Israel and condemned Western nations for supporting it. Earlier this year, Turkiye suspended trade with Israel in response to its Gaza assault.
South Africa initiated the genocide case against Israel late last year, alleging that Israeli military actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention. Israel has countered these claims, asserting that its actions are defensive measures against Hamas, which attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
Several other countries, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain, and Palestinian representatives, have also sought to join the case. The ICJ has yet to decide on these requests, but if granted, these nations would participate in the proceedings by making written submissions and speaking at hearings.
The case is expected to be a lengthy process, with preliminary hearings already in progress. Turkiye's bid to join the case reflects ongoing tensions between Ankara and Tel Aviv, which have been marked by periods of both conflict and attempts at reconciliation. The Gaza conflict has further strained diplomatic relations, impacting efforts to normalize ties between the two countries.
