Israel will soon defend itself at the United Nations’ top court, where it has been accused by South Africa of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

South Africa on Thursday told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel’s leadership was “intent on destroying the Palestinians in Gaza” and asked the court to order Israel to suspend its military campaign in the enclave.

Israel will deliver its response when the hearing resumes Friday at 10 a.m. local time (4 a.m. ET) in The Hague, the Netherlands.

Ahead of the hearing, Israeli officials dismissed the case as “absurd blood libel,” and on Thursday accused South Africa as “functioning as the legal arm of Hamas.” Lawyers representing Israel will have three hours to argue their case.

In the coming days, the ICJ’s panel of judges will decide whether to grant South Africa’s request for “emergency measures,” which could lead the court to order Israel halt its war in Gaza.

A final ruling from the court on whether it believes Israel has committed genocide could take years.