Türkiye said Sunday that the Israeli government is seeking “to cover up its own crimes” through a politically motivated decision on the 1915 events.
In a statement, the Foreign Ministry said Israel, which it accused of carrying out “systematic oppression” against Palestinians in full view of the world, is currently being tried at the International Court of Justice for genocide allegations concerning the Gaza Strip.
The ministry said Israel’s move disregards legal and historical facts and reflects the pressure facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates, who are subject to arrest warrants as part of an investigation at the International Criminal Court into crimes committed against Palestinians.
Türkiye will continue to work resolutely to end what it described as Israel’s expansionist and destabilizing policies in the region, the ministry said, adding that the Netanyahu government must be held accountable before the law for crimes committed against civilians, particularly the Palestinian people.
Israel Cabinet approved a proposal Sunday to designate 1915 events as a genocide.
Turkish Communications Director Burhanettin Duran, in a separate statement Monday on US social media company X, called Israel’s decision “hypocrisy,” saying a government that “kills tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including babies, women and the elderly” is using historical events as a political weapon.
Duran said Israel’s recognition of the 1915 events as a “genocide” is a futile attempt to cover up “the blood of innocent Palestinians,” state terror in the Middle East and crimes against humanity. Those facing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice have no right to “lecture Türkiye on history or act as guardians of conscience,” he added.