Türkiye has rejected an Israeli government decision concerning the 1915 events, accusing Tel Aviv of using the issue for political purposes.
In a statement on June 28, the Foreign Ministry said Israel was seeking “to cover up its own crimes” through a politically motivated decision.
The ministry said Israel, which it accused of carrying out systematic oppression against Palestinians, is currently before the International Court of Justice in a case concerning genocide allegations over Gaza.
It said the decision disregarded legal and historical facts and reflected the pressure facing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates, for whom arrest warrants have been issued by the International Criminal Court in connection with alleged crimes committed against Palestinians.
“Türkiye will continue to work resolutely for an end to Israel’s expansionist and destabilizing policies in the region,” the ministry said.
It added that the Netanyahu government should be held accountable under the law for crimes committed against civilians, particularly Palestinians.
Israel’s cabinet on June 28 unanimously approved a proposal to formally recognize the 1915 events as genocide. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Knesset for approval.
In a separate statement on X on June 29, Communications Director Burhanettin Duran called the Israeli move “hypocrisy.”
Duran said a government that “kills tens of thousands of innocent civilians, including babies, women and the elderly” was using historical events as a political weapon.
He said Israel’s decision was an attempt to cover up what he called crimes committed against Palestinians and added that those facing genocide proceedings at the International Court of Justice had no right to “lecture Türkiye on history.”
