February 20, 2024 10:25 pm | Updated 10:25 pm IST - THE HAGUESouth Africa argued at the United Nations' top court on February 20 that Israel is responsible for apartheid against the Palestinians and that Israel's occupation of land is “inherently and fundamentally illegal.” Israel rejects such claims. Israel rejects accusations of apartheid and usually dismisses UN bodies and international tribunals as unfair and biased against it. Israel has also built settlements across the West Bank, many of which resemble fully developed suburbs and small towns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement Monday that Israel does not recognize the legitimacy of the discussions at the International Court of Justice. That led to South Africa launching a separate case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of genocide in its assault on Gaza that followed the deadly Oct. 7 Hamas attacks in southern Israel.

Source: The Hindu February 21, 2024 05:29 UTC