An Israeli official faced protests at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) while defending Israel's actions in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza. Israeli legal advisor Tamar Kaplan Tourgeman urged the court on Friday to dismiss a case brought by South Africa, which seeks to halt Israel's military actions in Rafah.

Tourgeman was interrupted by a protester shouting “Liars! Liars!” during her address in the Great Hall of Justice. Security swiftly escorted the protester out of the courtroom.

The case, initiated by South Africa, calls on the ICJ to intervene against what it describes as a genocidal war waged by Israel against Gaza since October 7 of the previous year. The conflict has caused approximately 1.5 million Palestinians to flee to Rafah. Since the start of the conflict, Israeli actions have resulted in the deaths of at least 35,303 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, following a retaliatory operation by Gaza's resistance movements.

South Africa's legal representatives argued that the situation in Gaza has reached a "new and horrific stage" of genocide. They filed the case at the ICJ in December, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention by Israel. In January, the ICJ ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide in Gaza but did not mandate a ceasefire.

Despite the ICJ's interim measures, Israel has continued and intensified its military campaign in Gaza, which remains under a severe blockade.