US says it saw no "genocide" in Gaza

Palestinians at the scene of a house damaged during an Israeli attack in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, January 3 (Photo: Reuters).

"These are allegations that should not be made lightly… we do not currently see any conduct that would constitute genocide," spokesman Matthew Miller said at a regular press briefing. "That is the assessment of the US State Department."

Mr. Miller gave the above answer when asked about South Africa's request for the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue an emergency ruling declaring that Israel had violated its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention because of the Gaza war.

To date, Israel's ground offensive and bombing campaign has killed more than 22,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, devastated much of the enclave and left its 2.3 million residents suffering a humanitarian crisis.

The ICJ has scheduled hearings for January 11 and 12 at South Africa's request.

Mr. Miller also said he did not have any assessment to share at this time as to whether war crimes or crimes against humanity had occurred in Gaza.

Washington on January 2 criticized two Israeli ministers for supporting the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza, but also pointed out that Israel had assured them their statements did not reflect an official position.

US officials say too many Palestinians have died in the conflict and have called on Israel to do more to protect civilians.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/my-noi-khong-thay-hanh-vi-diet-chung-o-gaza-20240104114016303.htm