Israel was hit by an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip on October 7, with Hamas movement's troops infiltrating border areas. On October 8, the Israeli government announced that it had invoked Article 40 of the Basic Law, which means the country was officially in a state of war.

Israel to Continue Protecting Itself From Hamas Under International Law, Netanyahu States

16:07, 26 January 2024

TEL AVIV (Sputnik) - Israel will continue to protect itself against the Palestinian movement Hamas while respecting the norms of the international law, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday.

Sputnik

Earlier in the day, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent any acts that fall under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.

"Israel's commitment to international law is unwavering. Our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and our people is equally unshakable... Israel will continue to defend itself against the terrorist organization Hamas, which is carrying out genocide. Our war is being waged against Hamas terrorists, not against the Palestinian civilian population," Netanyahu said, commenting on the ICJ decision.

Israel will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip and will do everything possible to save the lives of civilians, Netanyahu added.