Turkish officials condemn Israel regarding Gaza and Palestinian justice access

Turkish Justice Minister Akın Gürlek and Parliamentary Justice Commission Chair Cüneyt Yüksel have issued strong condemnations regarding the situation in Gaza and the treatment of Palestinian officials.

Speaking at an OECD program in Istanbul, Minister Gürlek criticized the Israeli government for preventing Palestinian Justice Minister Sherhabil El-Zaim from attending the International Justice Summit in Istanbul. Gürlek stated that this refusal to allow the minister to travel represents a “disrespect to the universal justice system” and called on OECD nations to advocate for the rights of the 1.5 million displaced people in Gaza.

Additionally, Cüneyt Yüksel characterized the ongoing violence in Gaza as genocide. During a lecture at Mardin Artuklu University, Yüksel noted that since October 7, 2023, civilian casualties have exceeded 80,000, with women and children making up 70% of the victims. He emphasized a commitment to defending legal rights in both the Turkish Parliament and international courts in The Hague.