'Grossly Distorted': Israel Rejects Accusations Of Genocide In Gaza, Says It's Taking Defensive Measures

Israel rebuffed the accusations by South Africa, asserting its adherence to international law and emphasising its legitimate right to self-defence.

Judges take their seats prior to the hearing of Israel's defence at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against South Africa's genocide case in Gaza against Israel on January 12, 2024, in the Hague, Netherlands.

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Israel, on Friday, categorically rejected the accusations made by South Africa at the United Nations' top court, describing them as false and "grossly distorted”. It said that its military operation in Gaza is not a state-led genocide campaign against Palestinians but rather a defensive measure aimed at countering Hamas, according to a Reuters report. Israel urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss the case asserting it as groundless and requested the court to reject South Africa's plea to order a cessation of the offensive.

On Thursday, South Africa informed the court that Israel's aerial and ground offensive, responsible for substantial destruction in the enclave and an alleged death toll of nearly 24,000 people according to Gaza health authorities, was intended to result in "the destruction of the population" of Gaza.

Israel rebuffed the accusations, asserting its adherence to international law and emphasising its legitimate right to self-defence.

Israel’s war with Gaza broke out after the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli officials 1,200 people were killed, mainly civilians, and 240 taken hostage. Israel then swore to destroy Hamas. 

"The appalling suffering of civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian, is first and foremost the result of Hamas' strategy," the Israeli foreign ministry's legal adviser, Tal Becker told the court, as quoted by Reuters.

"If there were acts of genocide, they have been perpetrated against Israel," Becker said. "Hamas seeks genocide against Israel."

Israel's defense team contended that the country was making efforts to alleviate the humanitarian suffering in Gaza, which included urging Palestinians to evacuate. The court is anticipated to make a ruling later this month on potential emergency measures, including South Africa's plea to order Israel to cease its offensive. However, the court will not decide on the genocide accusations at that time, as those proceedings are expected to extend over several years.

It's noteworthy that while the International Court of Justice's decisions are final and cannot be appealed, the court lacks mechanisms for enforcement.

Israel stated that South Africa is serving as a mouthpiece for Islamist Hamas, a group designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States, the European Union, Britain, and several other nations. South Africa, however, has rejected this accusation.

Nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million people have been driven from their homes at least once since Israel began its offensive, causing a humanitarian catastrophe.