Turkey Seeks to Join South Africa’s Genocide Lawsuit Against Israel
ANKARA, Turkey (7 Aug) – Turkey plans to join South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to a Turkish official. Ambassador to the Netherlands, representing Turkey, will file the declaration of intervention in The Hague on Wednesday, as informed by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli.
Turkey, a staunch critic of Israel’s actions in Gaza, aims to become the latest nation to participate in this lawsuit. “No country in the world is above international law,” Keceli asserted on a social media post, emphasizing the significance of holding Israel accountable for alleged crimes.
President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has accused Israel of committing genocide and called for its punishment in international courts. He has also condemned Western nations for supporting Israel. In May, Turkey suspended trade with Israel over its military assault on Gaza. Contrary to the Western view of Hamas as a terrorist organization, Erdogan has praised the group, labeling them as a liberation movement.
South Africa initiated the ICJ case last year, accusing Israel of violating the genocide convention through its military operations in Gaza. Israel rejects these accusations, defending its actions as legitimate responses to Hamas militants’ attacks, which included an October 7 incident that resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and 250 hostages taken.
Several countries, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain, and Palestinian officials, have expressed interest in joining the case. The ICJ is yet to decide on these requests. If admitted, the participating countries can make written submissions and present arguments at public hearings.
Preliminary hearings for the genocide case have been conducted, though a final decision by the court could take years. Meanwhile, Keceli urged immediate implementation of the court’s precautionary measures, such as halting military offensives and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Turkey and Israel, former allies, have had a tumultuous relationship since Erdogan’s rise to power in 2003, marked by recurrent friction and attempts at reconciliation. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has thwarted the latest efforts to normalize their relations.
Original Story https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2024/08/08/turkey-to-submit-request-to-join-genocide-case-against-israel-in-un-court/
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