In the aftermath of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) verdict ordering Israel to cease its military actions against Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delivered a staunch response, emphasising Israel’s dedication to international law and its inherent right to self-defense.
Netanyahu asserted that the attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right amounted to blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, a sentiment he deemed justly rejected.
Addressing the charge of genocide leveled against Israel, Netanyahu vehemently refuted it as false and outrageous.
He urged decent people worldwide to reject such claims, particularly on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day, where he solemnly pledged, “Never Again.”
Recall that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has mandated Israel to take decisive action against incitement to genocide in Gaza amidst its conflict with Hamas.
The ICJ President, Joan Donoghue, announced the verdict, stating, “By 16 votes to 1, the state of Israel shall take all measures within its power to prevent and punish incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza strip.”
Moreover, the World Court asserted that Israel must permit the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Donoghue declared, “By 16 votes to 1, the state of Israel shall take immediate and effective measures to ensure the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza strip.”
The ICJ, by a vote of 15 to 2, further directed Israel to uphold its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention of the Crime of Genocide.
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Donoghue further read the judgment, stating, “By 15 votes to 2, the state of Israel shall in accordance with its obligations on its convention on the prevention of the crime of genocide, in relation to the Palestinians in Gaza, take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within its scope of Article 2 of the convention in particular, killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group, deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction in whole or in part, and indeed imposing measures intending to prevent bursts within the group.”
In response to the verdict of the International Court of Justice, Israeli Prime Minister in video clip, “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.
Speaking further, Netanyahu said, “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.”