South Africa accused Israel of “genocidal intent” on the first day of hearings at the World Court in its case against Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.

“Israel has a genocidal intent against the Palestinians in Gaza... that is evident from how this military attack is being conducted,” Tembeka Ngcukaitobi, advocate of the High Court of South Africa, said.

“It is rooted in the belief that the enemy is not just Hamas, but is embedded in the fabric of Palestinian life in Gaza.”

A top UN court opened hearings on Thursday in a case in which South Africa demands an emergency suspension of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, where it says Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hear South Africa’s arguments on Thursday and Israel’s response to the allegations on Friday.