Israel on Friday categorically denied allegations presented by South Africa at the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ), asserting that its military operations in Gaza are not a genocide campaign against Palestinians. Israel’s defense, led by lawyer Malcolm Shaw, emphasized its right to self-defense and disputed the claims as exaggerated and baseless.
South Africa had accused Israel of conducting a state-led genocide in Gaza, referencing the devastating impact of the Israeli offensive which, according to Gaza health authorities, resulted in almost 24,000 deaths. Israel countered these allegations, maintaining its respect for international law and focusing on its battle against Hamas, a group committed to Israel’s destruction.
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Israel’s Foreign Ministry legal adviser, Tal Becker, argued that if there were any acts of genocide, they were committed against Israel by Hamas. Israel initiated the war following a cross-border attack by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7, which led to the death of 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and the capture of 240 hostages.
The Israeli defense team also highlighted its efforts to reduce humanitarian suffering in Gaza, including urging Palestinians to evacuate areas targeted in the offensive. The ICJ will decide later this month on emergency measures, including South Africa’s request to halt the Israeli offensive. However, a ruling on the genocide accusations could take years. The ICJ’s decisions are final but unenforceable.
Amid the court proceedings, supporters of Palestine and Israel held separate demonstrations in The Hague. Palestinian supporters protested outside the Peace Palace, while Israeli supporters gathered for a rally of family members of hostages taken by Hamas.