As the International Court of Justice in The Hague begins hearings on Thursday regarding South Africa's accusation of genocide against Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his rejection of the claim in a statement.

“I want to make a few points absolutely clear,” Netanyahu wrote on Wednesday evening.

“Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population. Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists… in full compliance with international law.”

“The IDF is doing its utmost to minimize civilian casualties… Our goal is to rid Gaza of Hamas terrorists and free our hostages. Once this is achieved, Gaza can be demilitarized and deradicalized, thereby creating a possibility for a better future for Israel and Palestinians alike,” the prime minister added.

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