President Erdogan says Türkiye will make every effort to ensure Israel 'receives appropriate punishment'

By Muhammed Enes Calli

ISTANBUL (AA) - Türkiye will make every effort to ensure Israel "receives appropriate punishment" for its crimes against Palestinians, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in a phone call with his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa, the Turkish Communications Directorate said in a statement.

Erdogan expressed his satisfaction with the case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of genocide against the Palestinians in its military campaign on Gaza since the Oct. 7 cross-border offensive by Hamas.

"Türkiye will exert every effort to conclude this justified case in accordance with international law and human rights and to ensure that Israel, which commits crime against humanity, receives the appropriate punishment," Erdogan was quoted as saying.​​​​​​​

Both leaders also discussed bilateral ties, and regional as well as global issues.

The ICJ heard arguments from South Africa and Israel on Jan. 11 and 12, and is set to deliver its verdict on emergency measures on Friday.

Johannesburg had requested the ICJ to rule on interim measures, including that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, take reasonable measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians, ensure that the displaced people return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance.