In a strong statement issued on Wednesday, the White House has criticized South Africa's decision to formally accuse Israel of genocide, calling the allegations "meritless". National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby voiced his disapproval during a press briefing held at the White House.

On December 29th, South Africa filed charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), citing violations of international law regarding genocide. The case alleges that Israel's actions during its ongoing conflict with Hamas since the 7th October 2023 terrorist attacks have violated its obligations under the Genocide Convention. The convention prohibits killings or actions aimed at destroying a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, in whole or in part.

According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, over the past few months, more than 21,000 Gaza residents, including over 300 within UN-run shelters, have been reported killed as a result of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

The ICJ specifically accuses Israel of "acts and omissions" that are "genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza".

Israel has responded to these accusations by asserting that South Africa's court action implicitly calls for the destruction of the State of Israel itself. The Israeli government has emphasized its commitment to international law and stated that its military efforts are solely directed against the Hamas terrorist organization and other groups cooperating with Hamas. They further stated that the Israel Defense Forces take care to limit harm to non-involved individuals and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.

As this contentious case unfolds at the ICJ, the international community will closely watch how the court addresses the allegations brought forward by South Africa.