ICJ arguments by South Africa and Israel have ended, decision expected in days

Israel’s team has finished its oral arguments at the International Court of Justice in the Hague. 

South Africa made its presentation yesterday. This also brings to an end the two-day hearing into South Africa's case of genocide against Israel in its war on Gaza.

As the hearing ended Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz issued a statement saying that no evidence has been presented against Israel, but "only indications of a moral warfare like no other".

"South Africa itself undermines the genocide allegation by supporting the terrorist organisation Hamas, which calls for the destruction of the State of Israel," he added.

"I hope the complaint will be dismissed at the threshold, and I believe that justice will prevail," he concluded

Israel's deputy attorney general, Gilad Noam, told the ICJ panel that the "shock and deep pain that has affected Israelis since October 7 naturally led to harsh statements on the enemy who is committed to destroy Jews and Israelis."

He said that "any statement calling for intentional harm to civilians contradicts the policy of Israel and may amount to a criminal offense, including incitement. Several such cases are examined in Israeli law enforcement system."

ICJ president Joan Donoghue ended today’s proceedings noting that the court will announce its decision in the coming days.