ICJ order on Israel 'important but insufficient': Turkish justice minister

Turkish Justice Minister Yilmaz Tunc on Friday said that the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) order for Israel to stop its military offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, is “important yet insufficient.”

"The decision of the ICJ to stop the attacks of the occupying Israel, which has been committing genocide in Gaza and Rafah since Oct. 7, and to pave the way for humanitarian aid, is important but insufficient to end the blood and tears flowing in Palestine," Tunc said on X, further emphasizing that Israel must comply with the order.

"Barbarian Israel, which has caused the death of nearly 36,000 Palestinians and the injury of more than 80,000 Palestinians (since Oct. 7) … must put an end to the war and crimes against humanity it has committed. Israel must stop acting as a terrorist organization and fulfill the requirements of international law," he said.

"Countries and international organizations that believe in democracy and human rights should also take action to ensure that Israel complies with the decisions," the minister added.

Tunc also underlined that Türkiye will continue its struggle until Israel stops its attacks in Gaza and Israeli officials are punished.

He said that they will continue to stand by the innocent Palestinians in their just cause and defend rights and justice in the world.

The ICJ on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza Strip where it sent forces in early May.

The order, adopted by the panel of 15 judges in a 13-2 vote, came after it was requested by South Africa as part of its case accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention.

"Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part," said ICJ President Nawaf Salam, reading out the ruling.