Türkiye to submit declaration on Palestine to International Court of Justice
The Logo of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is seen next to Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Palestinian Authority Riyad al-Maliki (R) and members of his delegation as they listen at the start of a hearing at the ICJ on the legal consequences of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, in The Hague on February 19, 2024 (AFP Photo)
Türkiye will submit a declaration to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Thursday regarding Israel’s obligations concerning United Nations (U.N.) and U.N. agency operations in the occupied Palestinian territories, a senior Turkish official confirmed.
Türkiye’s ICJ declaration on Israel
Cuneyt Yuksel, Chairman of the Justice Committee in the Turkish Parliament and a Member of Parliament from the ruling AK Party, announced the submission at a press conference.
“A declaration has been prepared outlining Israel’s obligations concerning U.N. and U.N. agency activities in the occupied Palestinian territories. This declaration will be submitted to the International Court of Justice tomorrow,” Yuksel stated.
In a social media post on X, Yuksel stated, “A declaration setting out Israel’s obligations regarding the activities of the United Nations and U.N. agencies in the occupied Palestinian territories has been prepared in a coordinated manner by our TBMM Legal Team and our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This declaration shall be submitted to the International Court of Justice in accordance with Article 66, paragraph 2, of the ICJ Statute.”
“The International Court of Justice will determine in its binding Advisory Opinion that Israel acted unlawfully,” he concluded.
Criticism of international response
Yuksel criticized what he described as the failure of international institutions to adequately address the crisis in Gaza.
He pointed to structural weaknesses in the U.N.’s response to Israeli actions and the repeated use of veto power by the United States in the U.N. Security Council to shield Israel from accountability.
“There is an institutional paralysis and moral failure within the international system. The silence and inaction of global institutions actively contribute to the suffering of Palestinians,” he asserted.
Yuksel further noted that the delayed and insufficient response from the U.N. Security Council to the Gaza crisis highlights deep structural flaws in the global order.
Call for accountability and sanctions
Yuksel emphasized that international legal measures must be enforced against violations in Palestine, warning that failure to act would undermine the credibility of global institutions.
He also highlighted the U.S. government’s continued military assistance to Israel, arguing that such actions contradict the ICJ’s rulings.
“Unconditional military and diplomatic support for Israel must be reconsidered. Countries providing limitless backing to Israel could be considered complicit in violations under international law,” he warned.
UNRWA’s critical role
The Turkish official also addressed the situation regarding the U.N. Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which Israel has sought to shut down.
“UNRWA is the most critical humanitarian aid provider in the region. Today, nearly the entire population of Gaza depends on humanitarian assistance, and UNRWA remains the backbone of these efforts,” he said.
Yuksel emphasized Türkiye’s continued role in supporting UNRWA, noting that the country leads the agency’s Finance Working Group and is actively working to ensure ongoing humanitarian aid efforts in Gaza.
Türkiye’s commitment to justice
Türkiye has previously presented legal submissions to the ICJ on Israel’s actions in Palestine.
This latest declaration reaffirms the country’s active role in international legal proceedings concerning the situation in Gaza.
“The world must recognize the importance of UN mechanisms in providing legal protections. Türkiye will continue to be a voice for justice and accountability,” Yuksel concluded.
