Ahead of the Gaza Genocide Case Verdict Hearing at the ICJ Today, President Erdogan Hopes for Results in Accordance with Human Rights

The trial of the alleged genocide lawsuit in Gaza by Israel. (Source: UN Photo/ICJ-CIJ/Frank van Beek)

JAKARTA - President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Thursday Turkey would make every effort to ensure Israel "gets the punishment it deserves" in the ongoing genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which will convene today.

"Turkey welcomes the case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice, to punish genocide in Palestine and hopes that this righteous case will reach a conclusion in line with human rights," President Erdogan told South African President Cyril Ramaphosa by telephone, according to Turkish diplomatic sources quoted from Daily Sabah January 26

The two leaders discussed Israel's attacks on Palestine, bilateral relations, and global issues, the sources added.

The ICJ, which is based in Hague, the Netherlands, is planned to deliver a verdict in the case of alleged Israeli genocide in Gaza this Friday.

South Africa filed a lawsuit with the ICJ seeking an injunction against Israel, arguing Israel's attack on Gaza violated the UN Genocide Convention, on 29 December.

South Africa requested that the ICJ provide an interim ruling, including that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, take reasonable steps to prevent genocide against Palestinians, ensure that refugees can return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance, including food, adequate water, fuel and medical supplies.

Turkey wants the court to take necessary steps to punish those involved in the genocide. Ankara is known to be a defender of the Palestinian cause, continuing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Although relations with pro-Israel Western allies have soured again, President Erdogan has since declared Israel a "terrorist state" for its indiscriminate bombing of Gaza and called Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu the "Butcher of Gaza."

Ankara firmly supports South Africa's initiative, assuring it will follow the case closely and condemning Israel's "expansionist mentality and actions in total disregard for human rights, international law and moral principles that have led to the disaster in Gaza."

Turkey also called for the establishment of a guarantee mechanism that monitors and ensures peace between Israel and Palestine, while condemning the "failure" of the international community to stop the bloodshed in Gaza.