the civilian population,” he added. Israel has made significant efforts to minimize harm to civilians, including providing evacuation warnings to protect civilian lives. Israel has also provided humanitarian assistance to the civilian population in Rafah, despite the challenges posed by terrorist activities in the area.
Mr. Noam emphasized that Israel’s actions are in response to the ongoing threat posed by Hamas and other terrorist groups, which continue to target Israeli civilians. He noted that Israel has a right to defend itself against these attacks and to take necessary measures to protect its population. The situation in Rafah is complex and challenging, with Hamas using civilian infrastructure for military purposes, which puts civilians at risk.
In conclusion, Mr. Noam reiterated Israel’s position that the accusations of genocide by South Africa are unfounded and based on a distortion of the facts. He emphasized that Israel is acting in self-defense and in accordance with international law, to protect its population from terrorist attacks. He called on the ICJ to consider the reality on the ground in Rafah and to reject the baseless accusations made by South Africa. Israel remains committed to upholding its obligations under international law while ensuring the safety and security of its citizens in the face of ongoing threats from terrorist groups like Hamas.
