Turkish parliamentary delegation highlights just political solution to Israel-Palestine dispute is key to regional lasting peace

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - A Turkish parliamentary delegation that is following the South African genocide case against Israel said “without a just political solution” a peace that is lasting and stable “in our region will not be possible.”

Cuneyt Yuksel, Chairman of the Parliamentary Justice Committee and AK Party Istanbul Deputy, on behalf of the delegation, welcomed the intensive interest by the international community about the public hearings in the case and noted the presence of growing awareness of international public opinion.

“We welcome the application made by South Africa to the ICJ,” he said, referring to the International Court of Justice. “On behalf of the Turkish people, we once again declare our support for this process.”

“We would like this process to be completed as soon as possible. As South Africa had also requested the court grant provisional measures requiring Israel to cease its attacks on Gaza, we ask the ICJ to grant this provisional measure.”

Yuksel expressed confidence that the ICJ will thoroughly evaluate the case and come to a conclusion as quickly as possible.

-Public hearings

On day one of the trial on Thursday, South Africa presented hard evidence in the case it filed Dec. 29 that accused Israel of genocide and violations of the UN Genocide Convention with its actions in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.

South Africa is requesting an injunction by the top UN court to halt Israel's military assault on Gaza, which has dragged on for more than three months.

The 84-page filing accuses Israel of acts and omissions "genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent … to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group."

It said Israel's genocidal acts include killing Palestinians, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, mass expulsion from homes and displacement, imposing measures intended to prevent Palestinian births and deprivation of access to adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation and medical assistance.