After South Africa brought a case against Israel on genocide accusations during the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Israel on Tuesday said it will defend itself — a rare response from Israel, which has historically dismissed international criticism brought against the country.

South Africa has accused Israel of genocide in Gaza where more than 22,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war since the Hamas attack in Gaza on Oct. 7. 2023. South Africa launched its case Friday at the International Court of Justice at The Hague, Netherlands, saying Israel’s actions in Gaza are tantamount to genocide and violated international law.

In its filing, South Africa asked the world court to order Israel to stop its ongoing military strikes in Gaza.

More on the historic case South Africa launched in the world court.