Erdogan Welcomes ICJ Ruling Against Israel, Urges Ceasefire
Ankara, The Gulf Observer: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has welcomed the recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, emphasizing the significance of the decision in the pursuit of justice and international accountability.
“The decision taken by the International Court of Justice yesterday echoes our motto that ‘the world is bigger than 5’,” President Erdogan stated on Saturday, referencing a commitment to a world beyond the influence of a select few nations.
“We once again call on Israel to heed the voice of the international community and institutions and to immediately cease its attacks and massacres,” President Erdogan added, reiterating Turkey’s appeal for a cessation of hostilities.
The legal proceedings at the ICJ were initiated by South Africa on December 29, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians. In a significant development, the ICJ found South Africa’s claim of Israeli genocide plausible.
The court issued an interim order urging Israel to stop obstructing aid deliveries into Gaza and improve the humanitarian situation. While the ICJ’s ruling fell short of ordering a ceasefire, it emphasized the need for Israel to take “immediate and effective” measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
President Erdogan welcomed the ICJ’s interim decision, describing the provisional measures as “valuable.” He affirmed Turkey’s commitment to monitoring the process closely to ensure accountability for war crimes committed against innocent Palestinian civilians.
The ongoing Israeli offensive has led to significant humanitarian challenges in Gaza, with 85 percent of the population internally displaced and acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicine. Additionally, 60 percent of Gaza’s infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, as reported by the United Nations.
President Erdogan’s endorsement of the ICJ ruling reflects Turkey’s stance in advocating for international legal mechanisms to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hold those responsible for war crimes accountable.
