U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin denies claims of a genocide being committed in Gaza, where Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists.

Austin made these remarks during a state hearing on Tuesday before the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee regarding President Joe Biden’s latest budget request.

“We don’t have any evidence of genocide being created,” Austin said.

As reported by a reputable news source, Israel has faced accusations for months that it has been committing genocide in Gaza. In January, the Israeli government defended itself before the International Court of Justice in a case brought by South Africa.

According to the outlet, lawyers for South Africa argued that Israel had violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. This was the first human rights treaty adopted by the U.N. General Assembly.

According to the Times of Israel, Austin’s remarks come a day after footage of Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) claims there was evidence to find Israel guilty of genocide in the International Court of Justice.

Earlier in the hearing, Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark) asked whether that means Israel is not committing genocide in Gaza, to which Austin replied again, “We don’t have evidence of that.”

Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) also asked Austin if Hamas’ attack on Israel on Oct. 7 should be considered an act of genocide.

“What we witnessed on Oct. 7, senator was a horrific terrorist attack by Hamas,” Austin said.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry reports that more than 33,000 people have died during the conflict, and 75,000 have been injured since the war began.

Last month, a recent report backed by the United Nations highlighted the famine that was looming in northern Gaza, where several hundred thousand Palestinians reside.

The U.S. says that 100% of the people in Gaza are suffering from acute food insecurity as the humanitarian operation has collapsed amid the fighting.

When asked if it would impact the war, Austin responded by saying it would accelerate violence and result in a long-term conflict.

“It doesn’t have to happen. We should continue to do everything we can, and we are doing this to encourage the Israelis to provide humanitarian assistance,” he said.

Austin also testified that the U.S. has been committed to aiding Israel in defending its territory and its people by providing security assistance.

In his words, the U.S. continues to supply weapons to Israel. Last week, the White House announced that Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that further U.S. assistance would depend on steps taken to protect aid workers and civilians.