Turkish officials hail world court's provisional ruling in genocide case against Israel

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) — An interim ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday for Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza is important "as the first step in proving the legitimacy of the humanitarian front against Israel," the speaker of Türkiye's parliament said.

"The interim decision issued by the International Court of Justice against Israel, which is being prosecuted for the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Gaza, is important as the first step in proving the legitimacy of the humanitarian front against Israel," Numan Kurtulmus said on X.

Kurtulmus urged countries around the world to take action to immediately stop the "massacres in Gaza" and deliver humanitarian assistance to Gaza as soon as possible.

"International law should prosecute these bloodthirsty killers and give them the punishments they deserve," Kurtulmus added.

He also expressed gratitude to South Africa, which brought the genocide case to The Hague and to lawmakers and lawyers "who shouldered this struggle on behalf of humanity."

South Africa brought the genocide case against Israel to the ICJ in late December and asked it to grant emergency measures to end the bloodshed in Gaza, where more than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed since Oct. 7.

The court also ordered Israel to take "immediate and effective" measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip, but fell short of ordering a cease-fire.

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc also welcomed the ICJ decision, which he said was a "positive step towards stopping the bloodshed in Palestine and putting an end to the crime against humanity."

"Israel must promptly adhere to the International Court of Justice's provisional measures order to bring an end to the crime against humanity," Tunc said on X.

Noting the number of Palestinian casualties Israel's attacks have caused in Gaza, Tunc called on Tel Aviv to "urgently" implement the provisional measures and cease its attacks.

"The international community must also promptly take action to ensure the implementation of the order," Tunc said.

Türkiye’s Justice and Development (AK) Party also weighed in on the interim decision, with spokesman Omer Celik saying it was an "extremely significant development."

"The decision of the International Court of Justice is an extremely significant development in terms of considering Israeli massacres within the framework of genocide in the context of international law," Celik said on X.

"We hope that the decision of the International Court of Justice will contribute to achieving justice, as demanded by human rights advocates, especially Palestinians seeking justice for their people," he added.

He added that Türkiye, along with the global community, will follow the decision and continue to fight to stop "the massacres committed by Israel in Palestine."

"The Netanyahu administration will be held accountable before humanity and history for its occupation and genocide policies in Palestine," he said.