In a tense international development, Israel vows to contest South Africa's claim of "genocidal" acts in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Israeli spokesman Eylon Levy, addressing South African leaders, declares their intent to fight the case, labeling the allegations as an "absurd blood libel."
South Africa filed the case at the ICJ on Friday, asserting that Israel's actions are "genocidal in character" and aimed at the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian group. With more than 22,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, killed in Israeli strikes since October 7, South Africa asserts its obligation to prevent genocide.
The ICJ, the UN's highest court, will hear the case on January 11 and 12. Israel rejects the allegations, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu placing blame on Hamas. This legal battle unfolds amid an existing ICJ investigation into Israel's "prolonged occupation, settlement, and annexation" of Palestinian territory.
Tensions rise as both nations prepare for a legal showdown at the Hague-based court, where the outcome will carry weight in international forums.