Israel – Hamas war: Charge of genocide is false, outrageous – Netanyahu

The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu has described the genocide allegation against his country in the ongoing war with Hamas in Gaza as false and outrageous, insisting Israel would continue to defend itself against external aggression.

Netanyahu was reacting to allegation of genocide leveled against his government by South Africa which has been the subject of debate before the International Court of Justice.

Speaking on Friday, the Prime Minister said, Israel was committed to international law, but will not do that at the detriment of self-defence of his country.

He said: “Israel’s commitment to international law is unwavering. Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people. 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.

“On the eve of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I again pledge as Prime Minister of Israel – Never Again.

“Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas, a genocidal terror organization. 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. We will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance, and to do our utmost to keep civilians out of harm’s way, even as Hamas uses civilians as human shields.

“We will continue to do what is necessary to defend our country and defend our people.”