President Fatah: "I must say something about the Dumas affair - the decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, last Friday. We are fighting a campaign that cannot be justified. A campaign to return the kidnapped - who are being held and tortured by the Hamas murderers, in an unparalleled humanitarian crime; a campaign to restore security to our citizens, women and men, the elderly and infants - a whole people - that Hamas not only declared it wanted to wipe off the face of the earth, but embarked on a brutal campaign of massacre to destroy, and is still working with all its might to do so.".
Want more news, videos and stories? Join the Haredim 10 WhatsApp channel >>
He emphasized: "Israel has the full right to defend itself, and it will continue to be absolutely committed to the security of its citizens. This is a right that is anchored in the most fundamental foundations of international law; and in general, anyone with eyes in their heads can see that Israel is acting in accordance with international humanitarian law.".
The President attacked the conduct of the International Court of Justice: "The very discussion at the court in The Hague - on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day - about whether the democratic, moral, responsible State of Israel, which arose from the ashes of the Holocaust with the overwhelming support of the family of nations and its institutions, is committing genocide - is a blood libel that constitutes an infringement on the very values on which the court in The Hague was established.".
""There is something shocking about seeing how the 'post-truth' phenomenon has infiltrated even the most important institutions. Even on a personal level, the way they distorted my words, using very, very partial and fragmented parts of them; using them to support a groundless legal construction - disgusted me.".
The President added: "I was here - in this very hall - just days after the terrible massacre, when I was asked by the world media about the situation in Gaza. I replied that it is impossible to ignore the widespread civilian support in Gaza for the crimes and atrocities of the October Seven; and the way in which Hamas operates from the heart of the civilian population everywhere: from children's bedrooms in homes, from schools, from mosques and from hospitals. But I added and emphasized that the State of Israel - and of course I personally - do not view innocent civilians as targets under any circumstances.".
""Let it be clear: The State of Israel sees the humanitarian aspect as a very important part of the campaign; it is committed to its existence and is acting, as it has always acted and will act - in accordance with international law. Indeed, there are also innocent Palestinian civilians in Gaza. I deeply grieve the tragedy they are going through, and I have been calling for and working for humanitarian assistance for them, and for them alone, from the first day of the war until these days. This is part of our world of values as a country.".
However, he noted, "It is impossible to ignore the reality that we all saw with our own eyes in Hamas's publications on that damned day: the involvement of many Gaza residents in the massacre, looting, and riots of October 7. And the cheering Gazan crowd: at the sight of Israelis being slaughtered and their bodies being desecrated. at the sight of kidnapped women - God knows what they did to them - being dragged wounded and bleeding through the streets. at the sight of extremely terrible crimes - which the honorable court should investigate in depth and not treat lightly.".
""The world must not forget for even a moment: Hamas is responsible for a terrible crime against humanity - the massacre of the October Seven, and the abductees who are still being held in its hands. It is also responsible for the suffering of its people. Often in a very direct way - when it threatens their lives, takes away from them by force the humanitarian aid that Israel delivers, and uses them as human shields. The righteousness of our path is unwavering and will not be shaken.",
