Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly condemned South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in Gaza, dismissing it as “hypocrisy and lies.” The case, brought to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, accuses Israel of violating the 1948 genocide convention.
Netanyahu, addressing the accusations, stated, “We are fighting terrorists; we are fighting lies… Today, we saw an upside-down world. Israel is accused of genocide while it is fighting against genocide.” Israel contends that its actions are necessary for self-defense against Hamas, the Islamist group ruling Gaza.
South Africa, representing the case at the ICJ, accuses Israel of having “genocidal intent against the Palestinians in Gaza.” The court is urged to demand an immediate cessation of hostilities while the case is under consideration in the coming months.
In response, Israel’s foreign ministry accused South Africa of functioning as the “legal arm of the Hamas terrorist organization,” labeling the claims as “false and baseless.” The White House echoed the sentiment, stating that the genocide allegations were unfounded.
As the legal battle unfolds, the devastating consequences of the three-month Israeli bombardment in Gaza continue, with over 23,000 casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe. The situation prompts international calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian population.