Israel to counter genocide accusations at World Court

Israel will respond on Friday to accusations brought by South Africa at the UN's International Court of Justice (ICJ) that its military assault on Gaza is a state-led genocide campaign aimed at wiping out the Palestinian population.

South Africa, which filed the lawsuit at the ICJ in December, asked judges on Thursday to impose emergency measures ordering Israel to immediately halt the offensive.

Lawyer's representing South Africa on Thursday said "Israeli actions show systematic patterns of conduct from which genocide can be inferred."

"Genocidal intent against the Palestinians in Gaza is evident from the way in which Israel’s military attack is being conducted," the lawyers said.

"Israel’s political leaders, military commanders and persons holding official positions have systematically and in explicit terms declared their genocidal intent," they added.