Netanyahu defends Israel's actions in Gaza war amidst south African accusations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu staunchly defended Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war, asserting its unmatched “morality” during a cabinet meeting in Tel Aviv on Sunday. Responding to South Africa’s allegations of “genocidal” acts, Netanyahu declared, “We will continue our defensive war, the justice and morality of which is without peer.”

South Africa initiated legal action at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday, accusing Israel of committing “genocidal” acts in Gaza. Netanyahu dismissed the charge, pointing the finger at Hamas and stating, “No, South Africa, it is not we who have come to perpetrate genocide, it is Hamas. It would murder all of us if it could. In contrast, the IDF (Israeli army) is acting as morally as possible.”

The conflict escalated when Israel launched a relentless military campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to an unprecedented attack by Palestinian militants on southern Israel on October 7. The militants’ assault resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The ongoing Gaza offensive by Israel has, according to the health ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, claimed the lives of more than 21,800 people, predominantly women and children. The debate over the morality of Israel’s actions intensifies amid international legal challenges and differing casualty figures.