South Africa launched the case Friday at the UN’s top court, accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and asking the court to order Israel to halt its attacks.
Eylon Levy, an official in the Israeli prime minister’s office, accused South Africa of “giving political and legal cover” to Hamas’ attack that triggered war against the militant group.
Heavy fighting was reported in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, a day after Israel said it was withdrawing thousands of troops from other areas in a potential shift away from the massive air and ground operations.