Israeli officials on Friday denounced the International Court of Justices interim order seeking the prevention of genocidal acts in the Gaza offensive. However, they expressed relief over the absence of an immediate ceasefire directive.Netanyahu went on to call the world courts order outrageous claiming that Israel has the right to defend itself following the October 7 attack by HamasIsrael feared ceasefire calls Israel worried the ICJ judges would decree an urgent Gaza ceasefire as originally pleaded by South Africa. Ultimately, the court directed adherence to the UN genocide convention by troops and commanders without demanding an end to hostilities.Israel firmly dismissed suggestions of Palestinians facing genocide in Gaza. PM Netanyahu asserted the notion itself was shamefully false, saying the courts willingness to even discuss it would haunt generations.“The very notion that Israel is perpetrating genocide is not only false, it is outrageous, and the courts willingness to discuss it is a mark of shame that will last for generations,” Mr. Netanyahu said.Israel has self defense rights: PM Netanyahu Netanyahu also welcomed upholding Israels right to safeguard itself following the October 7 Hamas attacks triggering the Gaza invasion. Like all countries, it has inherent self-defense rights, he stated.Former Israeli deputy attorney general Nizri confirmed Israel already ensured most court-ordered actions like allowing humanitarian access into Gaza and criminalizing genocidal speech. Critically, no fighting suspension was commanded, he underlined.Numerous Israelis argue South Africa inverts reality. They accuse Hamas of seeking civilian destruction through October 7 assaults killing around 1200 Israelis per official figures. Hamas also holds many hostages still.South Africa left dissapointed The ICJ declined to declare an urgent ceasefire in Gaza as desperately sought by South Africa earlier, despite requiring Israel to prevent possible genocide against Palestinians using available intra-measures and ease the humanitarian situation.South Africas top plea was for the court to get Israel to instantly halt Gaza operations. But the demand was turned down for now, keeping Israels offensive options open while stressing human welfare.The 17 judges while stopping short of ending military activities said they were acutely aware of and deeply concerned by the loss of civilian lives unfolding in the Gaza tragedy.Experts suggest full case closure could take years. Meanwhile, the court passed an interim ruling ordering temporary measures to protect Palestinian lives based on genocide prevention.The response underlined relief at averting an imposed truce while rejecting genocide claims as outrageous. However, longer-term ICJ directions could still impact operations if the case drags on.
