The Israel Foreign Ministry accused South Africa on Thursday of acting as the “legal arm of the Hamas,” as two days of preliminary hearings kicked off at the UN’s top court in The Hague.
“Today, we were witness to one of the greatest shows of hypocrisy in history, compounded by a series of false and baseless claims,” Foreign Ministry of Israel spokesperson Lior Haiat said in a statement shared on X.
South Africa utterly distorted the reality in Gaza, added Haiat.
In Gaza, more than 23,000 Palestinians lost their lives in Israeli strikes since October 7, when Hamas retaliated to decades-long occupational crimes committed by Israel.
On Thursday, the International Court of Justice heard arguments that Israel is committing genocide, in its war on Gaza.
The case was brought by South Africa, and said Israel of violating the 1948 UN Genocide convention, by carrying out mass killings, expulsions, and making statements describing Palestinians as sub-human.
South Africa’s Justice Minister, Ronald Lamola, has delivered a compelling opening statement at the International Court, stating that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people.
Lamola said that the violence and destruction extend far beyond recent events, dating back to 1948.
Lamola stated, “The Palestinians have experienced systematic oppression and violence for the last 76 years.”
He said Israel of besieged Gaza, preventing entry by land and sea, and violating the Convention on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide.
The minister highlighted South Africa’s commitment to the convention, quoting Nelson Mandela: “In extending our hands to the people of Palestine, we do so in full knowledge that we are part of humanity.”
Lamola said that this commitment extends to both Palestinians and Israelis.
The court sessions will reportedly present evidence of Israel’s attempt to commit genocide and arguments regarding the comprehensive harm caused in Gaza.
