Turkey on Wednesday, August 7, 2024, filed a request with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to join South Africa’s lawsuit accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.

Turkey’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, accompanied by a group of Turkish legislators, submitted a declaration of intervention to the International Court of Justice in The Hague.

Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan noted on the social media platform X, “We have just submitted our application to the International Court of Justice to intervene in the genocide case filed against Israel.”

“Emboldened by the impunity for its crimes, Israel is killing more and more innocent Palestinians every day.

“The international community must do its part to stop the genocide; it must put the necessary pressure on Israel and its supporters. Turkey will make every effort to do so.”
Hakan Fidan

Turkish Foreign Ministry Spokesman, Oncu Keceli said on X, “No country in the world is above international law.”

Keceli added, “The case at the International Court of Justice is extremely important in terms of ensuring that the crimes committed by Israel do not go unpunished.”

Keceli also called for the immediate implementations of precautionary measures ordered by the court, including a halt to military offensive and an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza.

South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice late last year, accusing Israel of violating the genocide convention through its military operations in Gaza.

Israel has strongly rejected accusations of genocide and has argued that the war in Gaza is a legitimate defensive action against Hamas militants for their Oct. 7 attack in southern Israel that killed around 1,200 people and in which 250 hostages were taken.

With the development, Turkey, one of the fiercest critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, becomes the latest nation seeking to participate in the case.

Spain, Mexico, Colombia, Nicaragua and Libya have also asked to join the case, as have Palestinian officials. The court’s decision on their requests is still pending.

If admitted to the case, the countries who joined would be able to make written submissions and speak at public hearings.

Preliminary hearings have already been held in the genocide case against Israel, but the court is expected to take years to reach a final decision.

Also on Wednesday, Turkish Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan held a meeting with the Ambassadors of Arab League nations.

The meeting highlights Türkiye’s ongoing diplomatic engagements with the Arab League, fostering dialogue and cooperation between Turkey and the member states of the regional organization.

A Concrete Step For Palestinian Cause

According to Turkish Parliament Speaker, Numan Kurtulmus, this application to the ICJ marks a “concrete and historic step” for the future of the Palestinian cause.

“We will continue our efforts to ensure that Israel is tried in international courts for the crime of genocide and that Netanyahu and his gang receive the harshest punishment they deserve for the crimes they committed,” Kurtulmus added.

Turkey’s request to join is expected to strengthen ICJ genocide case

When more parties join a case, the case against the offender gets stronger, and this is what is expected to happen.

The request will now need to be approved by the ICJ.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Israel of genocide, called for it to be punished in international courts and criticized Western nations for backing Israel.

In May, Turkey suspended trade with Israel, citing its assault on Gaza.

In contrast to Western nations that have designated Hamas a terrorist organization, Erdogan has commended the group, calling it a liberation movement.