Turkey Condemns Israel’s Criticism of President’s ICC Meeting
Ankara, Turkey, has strongly condemned Israel’s criticism of the Turkish president’s meeting with the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor. The Turkish Foreign Ministry labeled Israel’s statement as an attempt to divert attention from the genocide it is committing. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan in New York on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, prompting backlash from Israel.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry hit back at Israel’s accusations against Erdogan, stating that they reveal a “guilty conscience.” Ankara reiterated its commitment to hold Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government accountable for their crimes, particularly in relation to the Palestinian people. Netanyahu had previously criticized Khan for meeting with Erdogan and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
Since May, Khan has requested arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza Strip. Israel has faced accusations of genocide at the UN’s International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza, where over 41,400 people have been killed and thousands injured.