Erdoğan urges ICC prosecution of Israeli officials over Gaza and Lebanon civilian deaths
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan called for Israeli officials wanted by the ICC to be tried in court, condemning civilian killings in Gaza and Lebanon.
At the Istanbul Expo Center, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan addressed the 21st MÜSİAD EXPO trade fair and the 29th International Business Forum, urging that Israeli officials subject to ICC warrants face trial rather than speaking at the United Nations. He condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza and Lebanon and lauded diplomatic delegations that exited the UN General Assembly during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address, interpreting their walkout as support for Palestinians.
Erdoğan labeled Israel’s actions as genocide and affirmed Turkey’s commitment to defending Palestinian rights, warning that failure to punish perpetrators would encourage repeat atrocities. He also criticized the international system’s legitimacy and its capacity to deliver justice, linking regional crises to trade, energy, and food security concerns. The speech touched on AI and robotics, urging stakeholders to consider ethical risks, and highlighted Turkey’s economic performance, noting 24 quarters of growth and substantial export figures supported by Türk Eximbank.
Why it matters
The statement signals Turkey’s firm stance on ICC accountability for alleged war crimes, affecting diplomatic dynamics in the region.
In this story
