Turkey officially joined South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel on Wednesday, submitting a declaration of intervention to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.
This move solidifies Turkey’s stance as one of Israel’s most vocal critics, particularly over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has consistently condemned Israel’s actions, drawing parallels between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler.
The Turkish leader has accused Israel of genocide and called for international legal repercussions.
In response to Israel’s May offensive in Gaza, Turkey suspended bilateral trade and praised Hamas as a “liberation movement.”
South Africa initiated the case against Israel at the ICJ late last year, alleging genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Several other nations, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Spain, and Palestinian officials, have also sought to join the proceedings.
Israel vehemently denies the genocide accusations, characterizing the Gaza conflict as a defensive response to Hamas’ October 7 attack, which resulted in significant civilian casualties.
The ICJ has yet to rule on the intervention requests, a process that could take several years. If admitted, the intervening parties will participate in the legal proceedings, including submitting written arguments and delivering statements during public hearings.
The strained relationship between Turkey and Israel, once allies, has been marked by periods of tension and reconciliation.
The recent escalation in Gaza has further exacerbated these tensions, hindering efforts to normalize bilateral ties.
