No Genocide Accusations Against Israel, Says US

In a diplomatic clash at the international stage, the United States has criticized South Africa for bringing a genocide case against Israel before the UN’s top court. The International Court of Justice in The Hague is set to hold hearings on South Africa’s filing, accusing Israel of “genocidal acts against the people in Gaza” and seeking an order to end the military operation.

“We don’t think it’s a productive step,” stated State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, dismissing the South African submission. He emphasized the seriousness of genocide allegations, stating, “Genocide is, of course, a heinous atrocity. Those are allegations that should not be made lightly.”

The move adds strain to already tense relations between the US and South Africa, marked by the latter’s refusal to align with Western pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.

Israel vehemently rejects the accusation, denouncing it as “blood libel,” a term referencing ancient anti-Semitic conspiracies. The foreign ministry stands firm in denying the allegations brought forth by South Africa, which has a history of criticizing Israel and drawing parallels with its own experience of apartheid.

In its application to The Hague, South Africa contends that Israel has been acting with “specific intent” to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as part of the broader Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group. The accusations come in the wake of a deadly attack by Palestinian Hamas militants infiltrating Israel on October 7, claiming over 1,140 lives, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

As the international community watches, the upcoming hearings will determine the trajectory of this contentious issue, further complicating the already intricate web of global geopolitics.