Israel will not be stopped by anyone – including the world court – in its war against Hamas, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said in a defiant speech.

Mr Netanyahu spoke after the International Court of Justice at The Hague held two days of hearings on South Africa’s allegations that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians, a charge Israel has rejected.

“No one will stop us, not The Hague, not the axis of evil and not anyone else,” Mr Netanyahu said in televised remarks Saturday evening, referring to Iran and its allied militias.

The case before the world court is expected to go on for years, but a ruling on interim steps could come within weeks. Court rulings are binding but difficult to enforce. Mr Netanyahu made clear that Israel would ignore orders to halt the fighting, potentially deepening its isolation.

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