Condemns Genocide Case In ICJ, Israeli PM Netanyahu: Today We See The Opposite World

PM Netanyahu met Israeli soldiers on the northern border. (Source: GPO/Amos Ben Gershom)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the alleged genocide case in Gaza brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice when the court held its first hearing on Thursday.

The case, filed by South Africa with the International Court (ICJ) in The Hague, the Netherlands, accused Israel of violating the 1948 genocide convention, which came after the mass killings of Jews in the Holocaust, mandated all countries to ensure crimes never recur.

In a firm response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said "South Africa's efficacy is very pleasing."

"We are fighting terrorists, we are fighting lies Today we see a world that is upside down. Israel is accused of committing genocide even though they are fighting against genocide," he said.

PM Netanyahu accused South Africa of "representing monsters" and "prouding Israel of committing genocide while they were fighting genocide."

"A terror organization has committed the worst crimes against Jews since the Holocaust, and now someone has appeared to defend them on behalf of the Holocaust," he said, quoted by The Times of Israel.

"The fiscality of South Africa is heard from heaven. Where are you in South Africa when millions of people were killed or forced to flee their homes in Syria and Yemen, because of whom? By Hamas partners," he added.

Israeli Prime Minister has firmly said it will "continue to fight terrorists until total victory."

"We will continue to reject lies, we will continue to protect our right to defend ourselves and guarantee our future," he said.

As previously reported, the ICJ held a trial on allegations of genocide in Gaza by Israel, which was reported by South Africa. The trial took place two days, yesterday and today.

Sidang yang diikuti 15 hakim ICJ dan dua hakim ad hoc dari masing-masing pihak berperkara, mendengar rincian Afrika Selatan pada Hari Kamis. Sedangkan Israel akan melakukan pengadungan pada Jumat ini.

"Israel has the intention of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza," said Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, advocate of the South African High Court, to a court in The Hague.

South Africa has asked for a number of steps to order a court to be carried out by Israel, including ordering the country not to take any steps to resume its military operations and "stop taking any action under Article II of the genocide convention."