Israel officials support Gaza destruction, court hears - BBC News

South African lawyers present their case on the first day of a hearing at the UN's top court.

2 hours agoShareclose panelShare pageCopy linkAbout sharingRelated TopicsIsrael-Gaza warImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Police disperse protesters outside the ICJ in The HagueBy Anna Holligan, Hague correspondent & Oliver Slow in LondonBBC NewsIsrael's plan to "destroy" Gaza comes from "the highest level of state", the UN's top court has heard.

The claims were made by South African lawyers as it presented its case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

South Africa also called on the court to order Israel to cease military operations in Gaza.

Israel - which will present its defence on Friday - has vehemently rejected the accusations as "baseless".

The court will deliver only an opinion on the genocide allegation, although it is being closely watched.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-67942983?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=KARANGA

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