UPDATE - Türkiye to join genocide case against Israel at International Court of Justice on Wednesday: Foreign minister

UPDATES WITH MORE REMARKS FROM TURKİSH FOREIGN MINISTER HAKAN FIDAN

By Esra Tekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – Türkiye will file to join the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice at The Hague, the country’s foreign minister announced on Monday.

“We will submit our prepared file to join the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice at The Hague on Wednesday,” Hakan Fidan told a news conference alongside his Egyptian counterpart in Cairo.

His remarks came after a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty.

Emphasizing that Israel's "unconditional" supporters were the main culprits in undermining the foundations of the international order, Fidan said those who condemn Russia for its war on Ukraine were turning a blind eye to Tel Aviv's continued occupation of Palestinian lands.

He said Palestinians have had a constructive attitude during the negotiation process, while Israel has been the "spoiler," adding that last week, Israel conducted a "treacherous assassination" of the chief negotiator in talks for a cease-fire in Gaza, referring to Palestinian group Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh.

"This assassination clearly shows that Netanyahu does not want peace. Netanyahu wants to set the entire region on fire. Israel is pursuing violence and expansionism," Fidan further added.

Referring to the numerous applauses Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu received during a recent visit to the US Congress, Fidan said: "War crimes have no place on the parliamentary podium. The only place for war criminals should be, without exception, the defendant's seat."

Urging supporters of Israel to "correct the mistake," Fidan said that not only the region but the entire world would pay a heavy price "if the massacre in Gaza is not stopped."

He stated that it was no longer acceptable for the US to "mitigate" every wrongdoing of Israel, urging Tel Aviv's "owners" to "hold onto its leash."

He also warned that the region can no longer tolerate Israel's "provocations," referring to its attacks in Lebanon and Iran that have raised fears of the conflict in Gaza spilling over into the region.​​​​​​​

"The constant lecturing of Muslim countries on other unnecessary issues, over democracy and human rights, has long exceeded the limits of tolerance. The West has lost all moral superiority in this region because of the Israel issue," he added.

Ankara and Cairo have made every effort to prevent the spread of war in the region, the Turkish foreign minister said.

"As responsible countries in the region, we will not be mere observers of the issues we face. Acting with a spirit of regional ownership, we are systematically working to provide all possible solutions to the region's problems," he added.

Highlighting that Türkiye has sent over 56,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, more than any other country, Fidan said the delivery of relief to Gaza disturbed Tel Aviv.

He pointed out that Gazans who survive Israel's bombs were being systematically starved, underlining: "The path to peace in the Middle East truly lies in the establishment of a genuine Palestinian state."

He reaffirmed his call for the establishment of an independent sovereign Palestinian state with geographic integrity and East Jerusalem as its capital.

"This is their most natural right. We oppose any imposition by Israel or Western countries on this matter. The Palestinian people are capable of determining their own path and choosing their own leaders," he added.

Fidan began his two-day visit to Egypt on Sunday.