Gambiaj.com – (ISTAMBUL) – Türkiye has announced its decision to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), according to Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Fidan made the announcement following discussions with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, highlighting diplomatic engagements with countries recognizing Palestine as a state, including members of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation and the Arab League.

During his statement, Fidan referenced Nicaragua and Colombia’s concrete positions on the case and Türkiye’s intention to join the legal proceedings. He announced Türkiye’s decision, stating, “In light of the evaluations we have made today, we have presented the outcome to our esteemed President, and in accordance with the political decision taken, I would like to announce for the first time from here that Türkiye has decided to intervene in the case initiated by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice.”

Fidan expressed hope for a favorable progression in the ICJ proceedings, emphasizing Türkiye’s longstanding efforts in preparation for this decision. He also stated, “We will now proceed with our legal work following the political decision taken by our President and after it has been announced to the world. In the meantime, we will continue to engage with all friendly and allied countries to explore further steps and encourage additional countries to join the application.”

Fidan reaffirmed Türkiye’s support for the Palestinian people “under all circumstances.”

South Africa filed the case at the ICJ last year, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Palestine’s Gaza. An interim ruling in January ordered Israel to stop genocidal acts and ensure humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza. Israel’s offensive on Gaza, which began after a cross-border attack by Hamas last October, has resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people, mostly women and children, and has left thousands injured. The siege on Gaza has exacerbated the situation, with severe shortages of necessities pushing the population into internal displacement and starvation.