'Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas,' says Netanyahu in wake of ICJ order
While the court has not ordered a ceasefire of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, it has put it to terms to prevent the loss of life, physical and mental harm.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu heads the weekly cabinet meeting at the Defence Ministry in Tel Aviv on 7 January 2024. Picture: RONEN ZVULUN / POOL / AFP
CAPE TOWN - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his government’s position that to be accused of genocide was outrageous.
In a video posted on X in response to the order of the International Court of Justice, Netanyahu said Israel’s commitment to international law was unwavering.
Equally unwavering, he said, was Israel’s commitment to defending the country and its people.
While the court has not ordered a ceasefire of Israel’s military operations in Gaza, it has put it to terms to prevent the loss of life, physical and mental harm.
"Like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself. The vile attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right is blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, and it was justly rejected. The charge of genocide leveled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it."
Netanyahu said that on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, he pledged there would never again be such an atrocity.
"Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas, a genocidal terror organisation. On October 7th, Hamas perpetrated the most horrific atrocities against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, and it vows to repeat these atrocities again and again and again. Our war is against Hamas terrorists, not against Palestinian civilians."
Netanyahu said that Israel would continue to facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza and to keep civilians out of harm’s way.