World

'We Defended Their Rights Without Fear': President Erdoğan Lauds South Africa's ICJ Stance, Details Türkiye’s 100,000-Ton Aid Lifeline to Gaza

By Bosphorus News ·
'We Defended Their Rights Without Fear': President Erdoğan Lauds South Africa's ICJ Stance, Details Türkiye’s 100,000-Ton Aid Lifeline to Gaza

A Resolute Stand on the Global Stage

JOHANNESBURG – Concluding his participation at the 20th G20 Leaders Summit in Johannesburg, Türkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a sharp and comprehensive address on Saturday, positioning Türkiye as a fearless defender of Palestinian rights and a critical actor in global humanitarian relief.

Speaking at a press conference following the summit, themed "Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability," President Erdoğan declared that Türkiye had stood powerfully behind the Palestinian cause on every international platform, asserting, "We defended the rights and justice of the oppressed in Gaza with courage, without fear of anyone."

The President's remarks underscored a consistent, forceful approach to the conflict, particularly his condemnation of the military action in Gaza, which he openly labeled a "genocide" perpetrated by the leadership of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The ICJ Case: A 'Brave Attitude'

A central point of the President's praise was directed toward the host nation, South Africa, for its initiative at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

"The principled and unwavering support South Africa has given to the Palestinian cause for years is extremely valuable," Erdoğan stated. "The South African state, society, and leaders displayed a brave attitude by initiating a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice. I salute them on behalf of my country and nation."

This endorsement highlights the increasing diplomatic weight of the ICJ proceedings. South Africa originally filed the case in December 2023, seeking to hold Israel accountable under the 1948 Genocide Convention. As diplomatic tensions remain high, the judicial process continues to move forward. Legal updates confirm that South Africa filed its detailed, 500-page Memorial document—recording its main arguments and evidence—in late 2024. With Israel’s Counter-Memorial expected in early 2026, the final ruling on the merits of the case is not anticipated until late 2027 or early 2028, making South Africa's action a long-term diplomatic anchor for global accountability efforts.

An Unprecedented Humanitarian Lifeline

To back his diplomatic posture, President Erdoğan provided concrete data on Türkiye’s massive relief efforts. He confirmed that Türkiye had delivered over 103,000 tons of humanitarian aid to Gazan residents, making it one of the largest state-led relief operations globally.

Data compiled by Türkiye's Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) and Türkiye's Red Crescent reveals the scale of this commitment:

  • The aid—primarily consisting of flour, food parcels, shelter materials, and medical supplies—was transported via 16 dedicated aid ships and 14 cargo aircraft.
  • In addition to bulk supplies, Türkiye established eight field hospitals and dispatched 53 ambulances/rescue vehicles to bolster the collapsing healthcare infrastructure in the enclave.
  • The shipments also included critical non-food items like 25,180 tents, 351 temporary shelter containers, and 1,451 generators, essential for maintaining basic services amid widespread destruction.

"With more than 103,000 tons of humanitarian aid, we have stood by our Gazan brothers and sisters," Erdoğan said, emphasizing that the sheer volume of aid demonstrates Türkiye's resolute solidarity.

Diplomacy for a Permanent Solution

Reflecting on the G20, Erdoğan confirmed that diplomatic efforts resulted in a recent ceasefire, but stressed the urgent need for long-term peace.

"Global peace cannot be fully achieved without the establishment of a free Palestinian State on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital," he insisted, reiterating the long-standing two-state solution formula as the sole path to regional stability.

The President’s diplomatic itinerary in Johannesburg was extensive, including bilateral talks with world leaders from Australia, Canada, France, Brazil, and Italy, along with the UN Secretary-General. He confirmed that he is actively pursuing peace efforts in other complex geopolitical arenas, noting an upcoming phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss reviving the crucial Black Sea Grain Corridor and achieving a permanent end to the war in Ukraine. Furthermore, he affirmed Türkiye's ongoing commitment to peace and stabilization initiatives in other regional conflicts, including Sudan and Somalia.