Turkey, one of the fiercest critics of Israel’s actions in Gaza, will be the latest country to join the lawsuit | Photo: Shutterstock
Turkey will file a request with a United Nations court on Wednesday to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, a Turkish official said.
The statement of intervention will be filed with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the official said on condition of anonymity, in line with regulations.
Turkey, one of the fiercest critics of Israeli actions in Gaza, is the latest country to join the lawsuit.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has frequently compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Adolf Hitler. He has accused his country of genocide, called for genocide to be punished by international courts and criticized Western countries for their support for Israel.
In May, Turkey suspended trade with Israel, citing the Gaza attack. Unlike Western countries that have labeled Hamas a terrorist organization, Erdogan has praised the group, calling it a liberation movement.
Late last year, South Africa filed a case with the International Court of Justice, accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its military operations in Gaza.
Israel has strongly rejected the genocide charges and argued that the war in Gaza is a legitimate defense against Hamas militants over their October 7 attack in southern Israel that killed some 1,200 people and took 250 hostages.
Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain and Palestinian officials have sought to join the case. The court’s decision on their requests is pending.
If admitted to the case, the countries will be able to submit written comments and speak at public hearings.
Preliminary hearings have already taken place in the genocide case against Israel, but it is expected to take years for the court to reach a final verdict.
Former allies Turkey and Israel have experienced a volatile relationship since Erdogan seized power in 2003, marked by periods of intense friction and reconciliation. The Gaza conflict has marred the most recent attempts to normalize ties.
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First print: Aug 07, 2024 | 2:36 PM IST