ISTANBUL

Türkiye will file to join the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the country’s foreign minister announced on Monday.

“We will submit our file to join the genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Wednesday,” Hakan Fidan told a news conference alongside his Egyptian counterpart in Cairo, wrapping up a two-day visit.

His remarks came after a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart Badr Abdelatty.

Stressing that Israel's "unconditional" supporters are the main culprits in undermining the foundations of the international order, Fidan said those who condemn Russia for its war on Ukraine turn a blind eye to Tel Aviv's continued occupation of Palestinian lands.

He said Palestinians have had a constructive attitude during the negotiation process, while Israel has been the "spoiler," adding that last week, Israel committed the "treacherous assassination" of the chief negotiator in talks for a cease-fire in Gaza, referring to Palestinian group Hamas' political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh.

"This assassination clearly shows that Netanyahu does not want peace. Netanyahu wants to set the entire region on fire. Israel is pursuing violence and expansionism," Fidan further added.

On the numerous standing ovations Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu got during a recent visit to the US Congress, Fidan said: "War crimes have no place on the parliamentary podium. The only place for war criminals should be, without exception, the defendant's seat."

Urging supporters of Israel to "correct their mistake," Fidan said that not only the region but the entire world will pay a heavy price "if the massacre in Gaza is not stopped."

It is no longer acceptable for the US to "mitigate" every wrongdoing of Israel, he said, urging Tel Aviv's "owners" to "hold onto its leash."

He also warned that the region can no longer tolerate Israel's "provocations," referring to its attacks in Lebanon and Iran that have raised fears of the conflict in Gaza spilling over into the region.​​​​​​​

"The constant lecturing of Muslim countries on other unnecessary issues, over democracy and human rights, has long since crossed the line. The West has lost all moral superiority in this region due to the Israel issue," he added.

Ankara and Cairo have made every effort to prevent the spread of war in the region, the Turkish foreign minister said.

"As responsible countries in the region, we will not be mere observers of the issues we face. Acting with a spirit of regional ownership, we are systematically working to provide all possible solutions to the region's problems," he added.

Highlighting that Türkiye has sent over 56,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gaza, more than any other country, Fidan said these deliveries disturbed Tel Aviv.

Gazans who survive Israel's bombs are being systematically starved, he said, adding: "The path to peace in the Middle East truly lies in the establishment of a genuine Palestinian state."

He reaffirmed his call for the establishment of an independent sovereign Palestinian state with geographic integrity and East Jerusalem as its capital.

"This is their most natural right. We oppose any imposition by Israel or Western countries on this matter. The Palestinian people are capable of choosing their own path and their own leaders," he added.

Ties between Türkiye, Egypt

Stating that he was received by the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, Fidan said that Sisi’s upcoming visit to Türkiye would see the countries’ first High Level Strategic Cooperation Council meeting.

Fidan said he discussed preparations for this meeting with his Egyptian counterpart.

Fidan also said work is ongoing to expand the scope of the Türkiye-Egypt free trade agreement and to resume the Mersin-Alexandria Ro-Ro services, mentioning that they previously decided to boost the bilateral trade volume to $15 billion within five years.

“We consider Egypt a long-term, reliable partner in the energy sector. We had the opportunity to discuss our potential in this sector, including LNG and nuclear energy," he said.

Ankara values cooperation in education and culture, and they plan to provide more scholarship opportunities for Egyptian students in Türkiye, Fidan said.

Stating that Türkiye and Egypt will continue to work diligently to strengthen their bilateral relations, he added: "In these days when our region has become a ring of fire, we make a point of maintaining close consultations with our Egyptian brothers."

He also hailed efforts by Egypt and Qatar to mediate Gaza cease-fire talks.

Fidan said he and his Egyptian counterpart also discussed issues related to Africa and approached many matters from the same perspective.

On the ongoing conflict in Sudan and the support Türkiye has provided to the Sudanese along with Egypt's contributions, Fidan said they are ready to offer all possible diplomatic support to stop the bloodshed in the country.

He also said Ankara and Cairo are in agreement on the territorial integrity of nearby Somalia and also agree that the consolidation of state institutions in Libya should be achieved through presidential and parliamentary elections.

Türkiye’s prisoner swap operation

On last week's dramatic prisoner exchange in Ankara involving seven countries, mediated by Türkiye’s National Intelligence Organization, Fidan said Türkiye “fully supports” every peace initiative in the region and stressed the country’s determination to take “peaceful and practical steps."

Noting that similar exchanges had previously occurred in Ankara, Fidan said this one is the largest.

Saying this reflects trust in Türkiye, Fidan added: "The US and Russia view Türkiye as a reliable partner in this regard. The National Intelligence Organization has coordinated and managed this matter with the US and Russian intelligence services from the beginning of the process."