Guatemala has expressed its opposition to a genocide case filed by the South African government against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Al Jazeera reports.

It said in a statement that it supported “Israel’s legitimate defence against the attacks of the terrorist group Hamas” and that “Israel’s purpose has always been to repel the constant invasions that seek to frighten the population”.

South Africa and Israel will present arguments in The Hague on Thursday and Friday, as the UN’s highest court reviews the claim that Israel has committed crimes of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Bolivia, Jordan, Malaysia, Turkey and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation have expressed their support for South Africa’s application.