Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s official spokesman has condemned South Africa’s attempt to prosecute Israel for genocide over its conduct of the war in Gaza, saying it can only endanger the cause of peace.

Speaking to parliamentary reporters at their daily briefing on Thursday, he said the South African case was “completely unjustified and wrong”.

Sunak’s spokesman added: “His legal action does not serve the court of peace. The UK government stands by Israel’s clear right to defend itself within the framework of international law.”

Both main parties in Britain have upheld Israel’s right to defend itself and its attempt to destroy Hamas since the October 7 terrorist attacks.

The case against Israel, which opened on Thursday in the International Court of Justice in The Hague, has attracted international allies of the cause including Jeremy Corbyn, the former Labour leader.

South Africa’s lawyers are attempting to persuade the court that Israel is deliberately trying to bring about the “physical destruction” of Gaza’s Palestinian inhabitants.

Foreign Secretary David Cameron has also denounced the South African petition, saying “I don’t think that is helpful,

I don’t agree with it, I don’t think it’s right.”