Turkey to Submit File to The Hague on August 7: Everything You Need to Know
Turkey to Intervene in South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel at the International Court of Justice
Turkey is set to intervene in the genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on December 29, 2023. According to diplomatic sources, Turkey has the right to submit a statement of intervention in the case as it is a party to the Genocide Convention.
Here are 5 frequently asked questions and answers regarding Turkey’s application to intervene in the genocide case against Israel at the ICJ:
1- What is the basis for intervention?
Turkey’s declaration of intervention in the ICJ is based on Article 63 of the Court’s Statute, which grants the right to intervene in cases concerning the interpretation of a convention to which States other than the parties to the dispute are parties.
2- How will the legal process proceed?
The Court will notify the parties, South Africa and Israel, of Turkey’s declaration of intervention and request their written observations. The Court will decide on admissibility, with the possibility of an oral hearing if necessary.
3- Can other countries request intervention?
Several countries, including Nicaragua, Colombia, Libya, Mexico, Palestine, and Spain, have requested intervention in the South Africa-Israel case at the ICJ.
4- Has the intervention mechanism been applied before?
The ICJ has accepted interventions in previous cases, such as between Ukraine and the Russian Federation and Gambia and Myanmar.
5- When is the trial process expected to conclude?
The trial process started in December 2023, with deadlines set for submissions from South Africa and Israel. It is estimated that the trial may take 4-5 years based on the Court’s case law.
South Africa filed the genocide case against Israel, seeking precautionary measures to prevent genocide acts and ensure humanitarian assistance in Gaza. The ICJ has issued several rulings on the case, including ordering Israel to provide humanitarian aid and cease military attacks on Rafah.
Turkey announced its intention to intervene in the case on May 5, with plans to submit its file to The Hague on August 7. Turkey’s intervention aims to provide valuable insights and perspectives on the interpretation of the Genocide Convention in the ongoing case at the ICJ.
