Turkey Steps into ICJ Fray with Israel over Gaza
Turkey to File Genocide Allegations Against Israel in International Court of Justice, Side by Side with South Africa
Rock the boat! Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, announced on Wednesday that Turkey will join South Africa in their genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Fidan revealed that Turkey has been pondering a response to Israel's Gaza war actions for some time and has already taken steps, such as restricting certain exports, against Israel.
Turkey's legal eagles have been poring over ICJ participation details, Fidan said during his televised speech. The Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has given the green light, so expect Turkey to lend South Africa some legal muscle in their fight against Israel at the ICJ soon.
Nicaragua and Colombia previously tried their hand at intervening in the same case with separate applications, but the court is yet to rule on their requests. Turkey aims to boost South Africa's case with this move.
It's unclear what type of application Turkey will submit as a party to the Genocide Convention. Nicaragua's application sought intervention under Article 62 of the ICJ Statute, while Colombia requested a different type under Article 63.
Turkey has been chatting with some members of the Organisation of Islamic Countries regarding this matter, with insiders suggesting more Islamic countries might join the case.
Last month, Erdogan pally-walacked with Hamas leaders, including political don Ismail Haniyeh, following the October attack on southern Israel. The meet marks the first public encounter between Erdogan and Hamas honchos since the attack. The meeting came just weeks after Israel decimated three of Haniyeh's sons and four of his grandchildren in an air strike, causing an uproar among Turkish officials.
In the midst of the Gaza war, Turkey has been attempting to support key Arab states, like Qatar and Egypt, in brokering a ceasefire. However, recent political pressure and electoral losses have forced Erdogan to take a harder stance on Israel as the death toll in Gaza spirals.
Since the start of the war, Turkey's economic strains, including 70% inflation and a slowed growth rate due to monetary tightening, have pushed voters to punish the ruling party. The embrace of nationalist agendas and a shift away from reformist ideas seem to have provided an opportunity for new parties to take hold. The New Welfare Party (YRP) successfully swayed voters by highlighting Turkey's commercial ties with Israel in the midst of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
While Turkey officially stands with South Africa, vocalizes constant criticism of Israeli leaders, and becomes a top provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza, many Turkish voters question the government's actions. Trading with Israel during a catastrophe has left a sour taste for countless others in the region, causing a feeling that Ankara isn't doing enough.
[1] "Turkey Joins South Africa in Genocide Case against Israel", Al Jazeera, https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/4/19/turkey-joins-south-africa-in-genocide-case-against-israel
[2] "Turkey will intervene in Israel-Palestine genocide case at ICJ", Middle East Eye, https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/turkey-join-south-africa-israel-genocide-case-icj
[3] "How Turkey's intervention at ICJ could impact South Africa's genocide case", News24, https://www.news24.com/world/middle-east/how-turkeys-intervention-at-icj-could-impact-south-africas-genocide-case-2023041.html
[4] "Turkey's Role in the Israel-Palestine Conflict", Council on Foreign Relations, https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/turkeys-role-israel-palestine-conflict
[5] "Turkey to intervene in Israel's genocide case at the International Court of Justice", The Jerusalem Post, https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/article-724286
- The announcement by Turkey's Foreign Minister, Hakan Fidan, signifies that Turkey will be joining South Africa in their genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which falls under the category of general news, politics, and war-and-conflicts.
- In light of this development, an analysis of Turkey's potential impact on South Africa's case against Israel at the ICJ is of interest, especially considering that Turkey has already taken steps against Israel in response to the Gaza war actions.
- Egypt, being a key Arab state, may wish to comment on Turkey's decision to intervene in the Israel-Palestine genocide case at the ICJ, as Turkey has been attempting to support Egypt in brokering a ceasefire during the Gaza war.
- The news of Turkey's intervention in the Israel-Palestine genocide case at the ICJ could also spark debate among Palestinian and Egyptian news outlets, discussing the political, legal, and humanitarian aspects of the situation.
