News24 | SA has 'close' ties with Hamas, says Israel as it slams genocide case as malevolent, false

Karyn Maughan and Qaanitah Hunter

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Israeli Foreign Ministry Legal Counsel Tal Becker (L) attends the hearing of Israel's defence at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against South Africa's genocide case in Gaza against Israel on 12 January 2024, in the Hague, Netherlands.

Israel has accused South Africa of having close relations with Hamas, which killed 1 200 people during a surprise 7 October attack - but Justice Minister Ronald Lamola has strongly denied this.

"We have no relationship with Hamas. Our relationship is with the state of Palestine," Lamola told News24 after Israel presented its defence against South Africa's claims of genocide against it at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague.

Supported by Department of International Relations and Cooperation director-general Zane Dangor, the minister said Israel's repeated allegations that South Africa was a Hamas ally and acting in defence of a terrorist organisation were unfounded.

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