THE HAGUE — Israel responded Friday to South African claims at the International Court of Justice that it was perpetrating genocide against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, refuting such intent and arguing that non-combatant casualties on the Palestinian side were a result of the Hamas militant group operating from civilian areas in the enclave.
Outside the court, pro-Palestinian activists staged a demonstration, carrying signs with slogans such as "Israel is on trial for its Gaza genocide." Across the street, pro-Israeli activists and family members of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza staged a "Sabbath table," with empty chairs symbolizing the captives absent from a family dinner table.
As the applicant, South Africa had presented its case first during a three-hour session Thursday, arguing that Israel stands in breach of the UN Genocide Convention, signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust. South African lawyer Adila Hassim told the court Thursday “South Africa contends that Israel has transgressed Article 2 of the convention, by actions which show a systematic pattern of conduct from which genocide can be inferred.” While a ruling on the genocide allegation could take years, as part of the first phase of the case, Pretoria has asked the court to issue emergency measures compelling Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza.
Israel's defense
