Israel tells UN top court South Africa makes 'mockery' of the charge of genocide

Israel has told the United Nations’ top court that a case brought by South Africa about its military operation in Gaza “makes a mockery of the heinous charge of genocide.” The International Court of Justice is holding a third round of hearings on emergency measures requested by South Africa, which wants the court to order a cease-fire in the enclave. The allegations were “completely divorced from the facts and circumstances,” Israel’s deputy attorney general Gilad Noam told a panel of 15 international judges. South Africa told the court on Thursday that the situation in Gaza has reached “a new and horrific stage” and urged judges to order Israel to halt its military operations. Israel has strongly denied committing genocide in Gaza.