IDF-Hamas War: Saudi Arabia Backs ICJ’s Interim Ruling Against Israel As Netanyahu Rejects ‘Genocide’ Charge

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on Saturday welcomed the preliminary decision issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against Israel, stopping any practices and statements aimed at genocide against the Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip.

On Friday, the ICJ heard a case filed by South Africa, which alleged that Israel is violating the Genocide Convention.

The court gave an interim ruling directing Israel to prevent genocide against Palestinians in Gaza while allowing provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance.

Saudi, in a statement by its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, praised the ICJ for the interim injunction.

It also applauded South Africa for a filing a lawsuit to restrain Israel but rejected several claims of genocide submitted by the African country.

The ministry categorically rejected Israel’s military operations and occupation of Gaza, a Palestine enclave.

As of Friday, Gaza authorities say at least 26,083 people have been killed while 64,487 have been injured since the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) invaded Gaza to fight Hamas in response to an attack on Southern Israel on October 7.

The death toll from the October 7 Hamas attacks stands at 1,139, according to Israeli authorities.

“The ministry expresses the Kingdom’s support for the International Court of Justice, and affirms the categorical rejection of the practices of the Israeli occupation and violations of the United Nations Convention on Genocide.

“The ministry also praised the efforts of the Republic of South Africa to file a lawsuit against the continuous violations of the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of the international community taking further measures for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, providing protection to the Palestinian people, and holding the Israeli occupation forces accountable for all
their systematic violations of international law and international humanitarian law,” the ministry stated.

Reacting to the development, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said his country’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,” Netanyahu added.

The PM continued that any attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right amounts to blatant discrimination against the Jewish state.

“The charge of genocide levelled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it,” Benjamin stated, adding “Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas, a genocidal terror organization.”