Israel accuses South Africa of serving interests of Hamas with latest appeal to ICJ

South Africa’s latest request to the International Court of Justice against a possible offensive by Israel in Rafah serves Hamas and is an attempt to stop Israel from defending itself, the Foreign Ministry says.

South Africa yesterday petitioned the ICJ to consider whether Israel’s plan to extend its operation into Rafah requires additional emergency measures.

“South Africa continues to represent the interests of the Hamas terrorist organization and is trying to deny Israel the fundamental right to defend itself and its citizens,” says Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lior Haiat.

“Israel is committed to upholding international law, including facilitating the transfer of humanitarian aid and preventing harm to innocents, while the Hamas terrorists are hiding behind the civilian population in the Gaza Strip and are holding 134 people hostage,” Haiat writes on X.