Selman Aksünger
24 November 2023•Update: 24 November 2023
THE HAGUE
Istanbul Bar Association on Thursday submitted a file of evidence to the International Criminal Court (ICC) through a delegation of Turkish legal experts, including photos and videos from Anadolu, proving Israel's war crimes in Gaza.
The delegation, consisting of Turkish legal experts, including Cuneyt Yuksel, Chairman of the Justice Commission of the Turkish Grand National Assembly and AK Party Istanbul Deputy, Ahmet Sorgun, AK Party Konya Deputy of the 27th Term, Yasin Samli, President of Istanbul Bar Association No. 2, and a delegation of 15 legal experts made a statement in front of the ICC's court building in The Hague.
Speaking in front of the ICC's court building, Yuksel emphasized the urgency of addressing the atrocities committed, stating: "No conscience can remain silent about this."
During their visit, the delegation engaged in productive discussions with the ICC Prosecutor's Office and the Victim Participation Unit, providing a detailed analysis of Israel's attacks on Gaza within the framework of international humanitarian law.
Yuksel revealed disturbing statistics, asserting that since Oct. 7, more than 15,000 innocent civilians have tragically lost their lives in the ongoing attacks.
"We are faced with an indescribable atrocity," he said.
Yuksel noted that more than 200 healthcare workers, dozens of civil defense workers and journalists have been killed in Israel's attacks so far.
"Every place where civilians gathered together became the direct target of the attacks. We are faced with a terrible caste, a terrible hatred. A genocide reminiscent of Srebrenica and Khojaly is being committed," he said.
"It is necessary to hold the responsible ones accountable," said Yuksel, explaining that even though Israel is not a party to the International Criminal Court (ICC), Israeli officials can be prosecuted due to Palestine being a party country.
"In this regard, the ultimate destination is the ICC. That's why we are here today. Our complaint is related to ensuring that the ICC carries out the necessary processes effectively and efficiently," he said.
Yuksel emphasized that the path to bringing peace to the region lies in the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state with its capital in Jerusalem, within the 1967 borders and possessing geographical integrity.
"In this regard, Türkiye will continue its initiatives both among regional countries and in international organizations such as the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the UN, to take steps towards solving the problem," he concluded.
Mustafa Deniz, one of the lawyers in the delegation who contributed to the preparation of the petition, stated that in the 3-folder evidence file they prepared for the ICC, there are video recordings, photographs, witness statements, and victim statements.
Deniz, regarding the evidence list that constitutes the annex of their petition, said: "Our file includes video recordings, photographs, and victim statements. We obtained video and photo footage from the archives of the Anadolu. I believe our meeting is significant in clearly stating our support for the Palestinians and expressing their grievances."
