Israeli Prime Minister rejects ICJ accusations of genocide and vows to continue offensive against Hamas.
In a defiant statement marking the 100th day of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that “nobody will stop us” from destroying the militant group, dismissing the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accusations as a “hypocritical onslaught.”
Key Points:
- Unwavering Determination: Netanyahu emphasized during a press briefing that Israel would not comply with the ICJ’s potential orders to halt its offensive against Hamas. He stated, “Nobody will stop us – not The Hague, not the axis of evil, and not anybody else,” referring to Iran and its aligned groups in the Middle East.
- Genocide Accusations: Responding to genocide claims brought by South Africa at the ICJ, Netanyahu dismissed them as part of an orchestrated effort to “perpetrate another Holocaust against the Jews.” He labeled the accusations a “moral low point in the history of nations.”
- Antisemitic Allegations: Netanyahu claimed that antisemitic materials, including copies of Adolf Hitler’s “Mein Kampf,” were found in Hamas tunnels in Gaza. He further alleged the discovery of a child’s tablet with a screensaver featuring Hitler in a Gaza home.
- Closing the Philadelphi Corridor: Netanyahu stressed the necessity of closing the Philadelphi Corridor, a 14km strip between Egypt and Gaza, to gain complete control over Gaza. He argued that leaving the border with Egypt accessible could jeopardize Israel’s war gains.
- Egyptian Response: In response to Netanyahu’s statements, Egyptian foreign ministry spokesperson Ahmed Abu Zeid asserted that Egypt remains in full control of its borders. He stated that any discussions about the border are subject to legal and security agreements between the involved countries.
Netanyahu’s remarks underscore the deep-seated tensions in the region, with Israel showing no signs of relenting in its offensive against Hamas, despite international legal challenges and accusations.