Israel rejects South Africa’s allegation of genocide

UNDATED (AP)- Israel is rejecting allegations levied by South Africa that its campaign against Hamas amounts to genocide against the Palestinian people. As the second day of hearings began Friday (Jan. 12, 2024) at the United Nations’ top court, a lawyer representing Israel said instead that it was Hamas that is guilty of genocide. South Africa is asking the International Court of Justice to order an immediate suspension of Israel’s military offensive in the Gaza Strip. It’s unclear if Israel would comply with any court order. Meanwhile, U.S. and British militaries launched strikes on sites used by Houthi rebels in Yemen in retaliation for their attacks on ships in the Red Sea. Houthis say these are aimed at stopping Israel’s war on Hamas, but their targets increasingly have little or no connection to Israel.