https://bbc.com/news/world-middle-east
The claims were made by South African lawyers as it presented its case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
South Africa also called on the court to order Israel to cease military operations in Gaza.
Israel - which will present its defence on Friday - has vehemently rejected the accusations as "baseless".
The court will deliver only an opinion on the genocide allegation, although it is being closely watched.
Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, a lawyer for the High Court of South Africa, told the ICJ Israel's "genocidal intent" was evident "from the way in which this military attack is being conducted".
"The intent to destroy Gaza has been nurtured at the highest level of state," he said.
Israel will offer its defence on Friday, but has previously said its actions in the Gaza Strip are justified because it is responding to Hamas's deadly attacks on 7 October.
But speaking in court on Thursday, South Africa's Justice Minister Ronald Lamola said that no attack "can provide justification for or defend breaches of the [Genocide] Convention".
Israel is a signatory to the Genocide Convention of 1948, which defines genocide and commits states to prevent it.
@ImpeachmentSmeltGreen5mos5MO
Thank you South Africa for exposing the genocidal and criminal acts of Israel and its enablers against the Palestinian people. It’s shocking that the Genocide Convention is so blatantly breached by those whose suffering was the basis for it. May the Judges of the ICJ act justly.
@DiscerningViperRepublican5mos5MO
isn’t South Africa doing something very similar to their white farmers?
@ImpeachmentSmeltGreen5mos5MO
I didn't see them and their leaders tell south Africans "to kill all children and destroy their homes."
Nor has South Africa dropped bombs and murder 23k 'white farmer's people' in 3 months
@VictoriousTacosDemocrat5mos5MO
South Africa is being used. We know who is behind this.
One question is how many civilians Israel will massacre in the Gaza Strip while it simultaneously presents its legal defense. Yesterday it butchered over 40 civilians in one missile attack on an apartment building.
@JollyDiplomatRepublican5mos5MO
Looks like SA took a break from their own chaos, paused the relentless assault one”on white SA business owners and white SA farmers long enough to take some time condemning Israel. Clearly the type of people you want to turn to for crisis advice and moral compass.
@TreasuryAlfieDemocrat5mos5MO
There are no Palestinian people. They are the same Muslims as everywhere else in the middle east. They are called this to paint them as a minority and Israel as a bully. When in fact, it’s just Islam doesn’t tolerate Jews and Christians in its conquered lands.
@9J28DJS5mos5MO
It is a terrible thing going on.
@9J2HNSR 5mos5MO
Regardless of Political stance, what’s happening to Palestine is a topic of morality. Do you or do you not support genocide? The lives of innocent people (including children and elders) are being ended due to politics.
@9J29JSJ5mos5MO
No options regarding Trump’s corruption?
@9J2GHMD5mos5MO
Gaza and Palestine all together should be free. Israel and the United States deserve punishment for their acts of genocide, the United States and Israel are terrorists to the world.
@9J28MDS5mos5MO
more important than helping others with their finances.
@9J2BK9BPeace and Freedom5mos5MO
it bothers me why do you have to hart any one that is not aprt of the fight
@9J2KVZDRepublican5mos5MO
I think Israel has the right to eliminate Hamas in Gaza.
They are destroying innocent peoples' lives with war and violence which isn't very humane. They are also killing their own people.
@HolisticHeronGreen5mos5MO
I live in South Africa and the situation on the ground here have been dire for many years. Most people dont have water, electricity and food. Our unemployment rate is higher than Palestine, tell those politicians to rather fix our own country before pointing fingers.
@ISIDEWITH5mos5MO
@ISIDEWITH5mos5MO
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