Image Credits - Mehr News Agency
On Wednesday, Turkey formally submitted its bid to join the genocide lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. This move marks Turkey’s most extensive intervention to date in the case, aiming to bolster the prosecution and motivate other regional nations to participate.
The Turkish delegation, led by Cüneyt Yüksel, a prominent member of the Justice and Development Party (AK Party) and head of the Turkish Parliament’s legal committee, presented a 43-page declaration to the ICJ. Yüksel emphasized Turkey’s commitment to defending Palestinian rights and criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza. “Türkiye will ensure this case proceeds effectively, standing with the righteous and the wronged,” he said outside the court.
Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in a statement on X, reiterated Turkey’s stance, calling for international pressure on Israel to halt what he described as an ongoing genocide. He expressed a commitment to pushing forward with the case and highlighted the need for the international community to act decisively.
Türkiye’s intervention follows similar moves by Palestine, Nicaragua, Spain, and other nations. South Africa initially brought the case to the ICJ late last year, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its military actions in Gaza. The court has already called for Israel to prevent genocide and ensure humanitarian aid reaches Gaza.
In response to the ongoing conflict and the court’s demands, Israel has dismissed the ICJ’s rulings, asserting that its operations in Gaza are acts of self-defence against Hamas, which launched attacks on Israel on October 7. Israel’s rejection of the court’s directives includes the controversial seizure of the Rafah crossing and criticism of the international community’s response.
Türkiye’s application is grounded in Articles 62 and 63 of the ICJ Statute. Article 62 permits intervention if a state can demonstrate how the case affects its legal interests. Article 63 allows states to declare their interpretation of relevant treaties. Türkiye’s bid outlines how Israel’s actions allegedly contravene international law and the Genocide Convention.
As the case progresses, Turkey’s involvement could significantly influence the judicial process, contributing to the shaping of international law standards concerning genocide. The ICJ is expected to deliberate on Türkiye’s application and the broader case over the coming years.