GAZA/THE HAGUE, Jan 11 (Reuters): Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly criticized South Africa’s genocide case against Israel in Gaza, labeling it “hypocrisy and lies.” As Israeli forces began withdrawing from the enclave, Gazans returned to scenes of widespread destruction in the north.
Key Points:
- Devastation in Gaza: Three months of Israeli bombardment have left much of Gaza in ruins, resulting in over 23,000 casualties and displacing nearly the entire population of 2.3 million Palestinians. The enclave now faces a dire humanitarian situation due to an Israeli blockade, limiting essential supplies.
- Israel’s Defense Perspective: Israel contends that its military actions are necessary for self-defense, targeting Hamas, the Islamist group ruling Gaza. The conflict escalated on Oct. 7 when Hamas fighters entered Israeli communities, causing casualties and capturing hostages. Israel attributes subsequent harm to Palestinian civilians to Hamas operating among them, a claim denied by the fighters.
- South Africa’s Legal Move: South Africa initiated a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, accusing Israel of violating the 1948 genocide convention. This convention, established after the Holocaust, obligates countries to prevent such crimes. South African advocate Tembeka Ngcukaitobi asserted that Israel has a “genocidal intent against the Palestinians in Gaza” at the ICJ.
- Preliminary Court Action: South Africa requested a preliminary court order for Israel to cease fighting immediately while the ICJ examines the full merits of the case in the coming months.
- Netanyahu’s Response: Prime Minister Netanyahu responded strongly, stating, “The hypocrisy of South Africa screams to the heavens.” The case intensifies the already complex geopolitical dynamics surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Also Read: South Africa Accuses Israel of Genocide at International Court Hearing
Also Read: Israeli PM Netanyahu warns the world: ‘Gaza war won’t end till we achieve all our goals’
As the legal battle unfolds, the impact of South Africa’s accusations against Israel continues to reverberate, adding a new dimension to the longstanding tensions in the region.