Turkey’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Ahmet Yildiz delivered a condemning statement on the last day of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearings, aligning with numerous nations denouncing Israel’s prolonged occupation of Palestinian territories.
Yildiz emphasized the failure of Israel and its Western allies to adhere to international laws and human rights standards, highlighting the ongoing struggle for Palestinian rights amid a stalled peace process.
During the weeklong hearings, representatives from 52 countries and multiple international organizations presented testimonies regarding Israel’s occupation of Palestine.
Yildiz underscored the deepening grip of Israel’s occupation on Palestinian territories and the lack of commitment from its allies to pursue a viable two-state solution, echoing sentiments shared by other nations throughout the proceedings.
Al Jazeera’s Bernard Smith reported from The Hague, noting Turkey’s assertions that Palestinians endure archaic practices under occupation, emphasizing the need for their emancipation with dignity.
Turkey particularly spotlighted the Haram al-Sharif, also known as the Temple Mount, accusing Israel of frequently violating the site’s autonomy, which is administered by Jordan in accordance with longstanding principles predating Israel’s establishment.
While the ICJ addressed Israel’s occupation, separate proceedings addressed South Africa’s genocide case against Israel for its actions in Gaza, where nearly 30,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children, have perished since October 7.
Despite ongoing violence, the ICJ’s scrutiny represents an unprecedented global examination of Israel’s occupation and apartheid system. Arab nations, including a group of 22 countries, reiterated their condemnation of Israel’s violations of international law and racial domination against Palestinians, diverging from the United States’ defense of Israel’s security needs.