Israel’s Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, described South Africa’s charge of genocide as “antisemitic” and sharply criticised the International Court of Justice’s decision to reject Israel’s bid to have the case rejected outright.
Gallant’s decision on Oct 8 to place Gaza under a “complete siege” was cited as evidence by the court to continue its hearings.
The court made an interim ruling that Israel should limit harm to Palestinians, take steps to “prevent and punish” incitement to genocide, and ensure the provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
“Those who seek justice, will not find it on the leather chairs of the court chambers in The Hague — they will find it in the Hamas tunnels in Gaza, where 136 hostages are held, and where those who murdered our children are hiding,” Gallant said in a statement.