WATCH: Israel will continue to defend its people - Netanyahu

Netanyahu released a video statement on Friday afternoon in response to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling, ordering Israel to comply with the Genocide Convention obligations in the war against Hamas in Gaza.

Netanyahu said while Israel's commitment to international law is unwavering, it is equally committed to continue to defend its country and people.

"Like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself. The vile attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right is blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, and it was justly rejected.

"The charge of genocide levelled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it.

"On the eve of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I again pledge as Prime Minister of Israel - 'Never Again'.

"Israel will continue to defend itself against Hamas, a genocidal terror organisation," said Netanyahu.

Netanyahu reiterated that Israel's war is against Hamas, and not Palestinian civilians.

"We will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance and to do our utmost to keep civilians out of harm's way, even as Hamas uses civilians as human shields.

"We will continue to do what is necessary to defend our country and defend our people," he added.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Riyadh Maliki welcomed the court ruling as an important reminder that no state is above the law or beyond the reach of justice.

"It breaks Israel’s entrenched culture of criminality and impunity, which has characterized its decades-long occupation, dispossession, persecution, and apartheid in Palestine.

"Israel failed to convince the court that it was not violating the Genocide Convention.

"The ICJ judges saw through Israel’s politicisation, deflection, and outright lies.

"They assessed the facts and the law and ordered provisional measures that recognised the gravity of the situation on the ground and the veracity of South Africa’s application. Israel is accused of destroying an entire people and will now stand accused of henocide, the crime of all crimes.

"Palestine calls on all states to ensure respect for the order of the International Court of Justice, including by Israel," said Maliki.

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