'Fighting a war..', says Israel rejecting South Africa's accusations on 'genocide' at ICJ hearing
Reuters, “In these circumstances, there can hardly be a charge more false and more malevolent than the allegation against Israel of genocide." ALSO, READ: South Africa drags Israel to UN court over Gaza, here are top developments Israel presented a chilling video and audio to a hushed audience to highlight what happened on 7 October when Hamas attacked the country. “They tortured children in front of parents and parents in front of children, burned people, including infants alive, and systematically raped and mutilated scores of women, men and children," Becker said.
He even added, "If there were acts of genocide, they have been perpetrated against Israel. Hamas seeks genocide against Israel." Stating that Israel had a right to defend itself, Becker said, "The appalling suffering of civilians, both Israeli and Palestinian, is first and foremost the result of Hamas' strategy." Becker also added that Israel is in a war of defense against Hamas, not against the Palestinian people.
He said, "The key component of genocide, the intent to destroy a people in whole or in part, is totally lacking." Earlier on 11 January, South Africa launched a landmark case at the top UN court accusing Israel of breaching the UN Genocide Convention and argued even the deadly October 7 Hamas attack could not justify such alleged actions. It appealed to ICJ to force Israel to “immediately suspend" its military operations in Gaza.
“No armed attack on a state territory, no matter how serious… can provide justification for or defend breaches of the convention," AFP quoted Pretoria’s Justice Minister Ronald Lamola as saying. “Israel’s response to the October 7 attack has crossed this line and given rise to the breaches of the convention," he added.
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