US maintains genocide allegations against Israel are unfounded, after ICJ ruling

The United States stands by its position that South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice is “unfounded,” in its first response to the court’s decision to move forward with a case against Israel while stopping short of ordering an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

“We continue to believe that allegations of genocide are unfounded and note the court did not make a finding about genocide or call for a ceasefire in its ruling and that it called for the unconditional, immediate release of all hostages being held by Hamas,” a US State Department spokesperson tells The Times of Israel.

“The court’s ruling is consistent with our view that Israel has the right to take action to ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 cannot be repeated, in accordance with international law,” the spokesperson adds.

“We have consistently made clear that Israel must take all possible steps to minimize civilian harm, increase the flow of humanitarian assistance, and address dehumanizing rhetoric,” the US statement adds in an apparent reference to the court’s decision ordering Israel to take urgent steps to address the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza along with incendiary comments by its lawmakers.

The State Department spokesperson says the US recognizes the “vital role” that the ICJ plays in the peaceful settlement of disputes and adds that it will continue to monitor the proceedings as they move forward.