Israel-Hamas war: South Africa accuses Israel of genocide at the Hague

The International Court of Justice in the Hague has begun hearing a case by South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza war.

South Africa’s lawyers claimed there was a “pattern of conduct and related intention” to destroy Gaza – urging the court to order an immediate halt to Israel’s military action.

Israel has vehemently denied the allegations: prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the country was being accused of genocide “while it is fighting genocide”.

Our international editor Lindsey Hilsum is in the Hague.