By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The US has dismissed a petition initiated by South Africa against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in Hague, saying it is “meritless”.
South Africa last week filed a case before the Netherlands-based court, arguing that Israel is committing “genocidal” acts in Gaza, arising from the war that broke out between Israel and the Gaza-based Hamas militants Oct. 7, 2023.
“As pertains the United States, we are not seeing any acts that constitute genocide,” said the US Department of State spokesperson Matthew Miller on Wednesday.
“But there are military operations going on that put Palestinian people at risk,” Mr Miller added.
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White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby also said on Wednesday that the US considers the case “meritless, counterproductive and completely without any basis in fact whatsoever”.
Israel rejected South Africa’s genocide allegation, terming it “baseless” and “blood libel”.
South Africa is backing Palestinians in the ongoing conflict, while the US has supported Israel with military assistance and weapons.
The White House had earlier raised concern about the impact of the war on civilians in Gaza, warning that Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu could lose global support if shelling on Gaza does not stop.
Health facilities in Gaza have been overwhelmed by large number of casualties recorded from the war, which Israel says will continue throughout 2024.
