Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday that his country's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip is “fully compliant” with international law, and that Israel's goal is not to expel the Palestinians living there. repeated.
“I want to make a few things absolutely clear: Israel has no intention of occupying Gaza permanently or displacing civilians,” Netanyahu said in a video statement shared on social media platform X. said.
He reiterated his position that Israel is waging a war of self-defense “in full compliance with international law.”
“Our goal is to rid Gaza of Hamas terrorists and free the hostages. Once this is achieved, Gaza will be demilitarized and de-radicalized, thereby making it a better place for both Israelis and Palestinians. It creates the possibility of a good future,” Netanyahu continued on X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calls for the destruction of Hamas, citing three “preconditions” for peace
Mass public prayer calling for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in front of the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 people who participate in In the October 7 attack, Hamas and other militants captured around 250 people, including men, women, children and the elderly. About 110 people have been released so far, and about 110 people remain in custody, in addition to about 20 who died in custody. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
Prime Minister Netanyahu also defended the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for using leaflets, among other actions, to avoid unnecessary civilian casualties.
“While the Israeli Defense Forces are doing everything in their power to minimize civilian casualties, Hamas is doing everything in their power to maximize civilian casualties by using Palestinian civilians as human shields,” he said. I am doing my best,” he said.
Hamas says 'we won't talk about prisoners or exchange deals' until Israel halts Gaza movement: Report
“While the IDF encourages Palestinian civilians to leave the combat zone by distributing leaflets, making phone calls, and offering safe passage, Hamas prevents Palestinians from leaving at gunpoint and often by firing shots.” continued the Prime Minister.
Some members of Netanyahu's government have called on Israel to retake the Gaza Strip and forcibly relocate Palestinians elsewhere. But Prime Minister Netanyahu said such calls did not reflect his own policies.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement came a day before the International Court of Justice is to hear a South African claim that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
This claim has been repeatedly denied by Israel.
Mass public prayer calling for the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in front of the Western Wall, the holiest place where Jews can pray, in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel, Wednesday, January 10, 2024 people who participate in In the October 7 attack, Hamas and other militants captured around 250 people, including men, women, children and the elderly. About 110 people have been released so far, and about 110 people remain in custody, in addition to about 20 who died in custody. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)
The US State Department also dismissed allegations that Israel committed genocide as “unfounded” on Thursday morning.
Israel-Hamas War: IDF finds evidence that Hamas is developing precision missile capabilities with Iranian support
“The United States recognizes that the International Court of Justice (ICJ), as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, plays an important role in the peaceful resolution of disputes.The ICJ held a hearing on South Africa's request this week. “The ICJ will exercise its power to issue interim measures requiring Israel to cease military operations in Gaza and take other steps to ensure compliance with the Genocide Convention,” Spokesman Matthew Miller said. said the statement.
Palestinians look at damaged residential buildings after an Israeli attack in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Wednesday, January 10, 2024. (AP Photo/Fatima Shubeir)
“Claims that Israel is committing genocide are baseless,” he continued. “In fact, it is those who violently attack Israel who continue to openly call for the annihilation of Israel and the genocide of the Jewish people. Genocide is the most violent attack that any organization or individual can commit. It is a heinous act, and such a claim should be justified.''Israel has the right to protect itself from Hamas's terrorist acts – Hamas does not guarantee that Israel will be completely destroyed. Israel operates in an extremely difficult environment in the urban battlespace of Gaza, where Hamas deliberately blends in with civilian populations and forces its forces behind the scenes. It is hidden in ”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“The United States condemns Hamas's brutal attack and hostage taking and reiterates its support for Israel's right to ensure that the October 7th terrorist attack is not repeated. We also reiterate that Israel “We have made clear that we will not only abide by international humanitarian law.” We will also explore further ways to investigate it.Finally, we will continue to condemn inhumane rhetoric on all sides.”
