Today (February 26) marked the final day of a week of hearings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the Hague that saw numerous countries speak out against Israel’s ongoing occupation of Palestine.
In a presentation on the final day of the event, Turkish Deputy Foreign Minister Ahmet Yıldız articulated Turkey’s criticisms, saying “Israel is an occupier and has occupied Palestinian territory. Those responsible should be held accountable before the law.”
The hearings, which have taken place against the backdrop of Israel’s threats to push into Rafah in southern Gaza, focus on Israel’s ongoing occupation of the West Bank and Gaza trip, which started in 1967.
The hearings have occurred separately from South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, which began at the ICJ in late December. In a ruling on the case issued in late January, the court stopped short of endorsing South Africa’s allegations but ordered that Israel institute measures in order to prevent genocide in Gaza.
In his remarks, Yıldız criticized the Palestinians’ access to the holy sites of Jerusalem, reiterated Turkish support for a two-state solution, and spoke out against what he described as the ‘collective punishment’ implemented by Israel in Gaza.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of nearly 30,000 Palestinians since October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise attack, killing over a thousand Israelis.
Since the start of the war, Ankara has embraced strong rhetoric against Israel. In remarks ın December, Turkish President Rcep Tayyip Erdoğan compared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Hitler, prompting a retort from the Israeli leader.
Despite strong statements against Israel, Turkey has also come under criticism by some for continuing to be one of Israel’s strongest trading partners throughout the war. At a campaign rally for Erdoğan’s Justice and Development Party (AKP) in Adana last week, several attendees unfurled a banner reading “Stop the shameful trade with Israel.” The banner was quickly taken down by security.
Written/translated by Leo Kendrick for Medyascope
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