Israel is facing accusations of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice in The Hague. The case, brought by South Africa in December, claims that Israel’s actions against Hamas militants violate the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, publicly rejected calls by some right-wing ministers to permanently occupy Gaza. The court hearings, held on Thursday and Friday, will focus on South Africa’s request for emergency measures to suspend Israel’s military actions in Gaza during the case’s proceedings.
Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy dismissed the accusations as an “absurd blood libel” and accused South Africa of providing political and legal cover to the Hamas regime. The hearings could potentially take years, and Colombia and Brazil expressed support for South Africa’s position. Israel launched its offensive in response to a cross-border rampage by Hamas fighters, resulting in significant destruction and displacement of Gaza’s population.
On the eve of the ICJ hearings, Netanyahu clarified Israel’s stance, stating that the country has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population. He emphasized that Israel is fighting against Hamas terrorists and is committed to complying with international law. However, some right-wing members of the Israeli government had previously called for Palestinians to leave Gaza voluntarily, making way for Israeli settlements.
Jordan and Egypt warned against any Israeli reoccupation of Gaza, urging the return of uprooted residents to their homes. The situation on the ground remained intense, with Israeli strikes continuing despite pledges to shift to a more targeted campaign. The U.N. Security Council approved a resolution demanding an immediate cessation of shipping attacks by Yemen’s Houthi movement in support of Gaza.
As Israel faced international legal scrutiny, the conflict in Gaza persisted, with the World Health Organization canceling a medical aid mission due to security concerns. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported casualties, including four staff members killed in an Israeli strike on an ambulance and four Palestinian children killed in an air strike on a house in Rafah.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, on his fourth trip to the region, expressed support for a Palestinian state during his meeting with Palestinian leaders. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized that no Palestinians should be displaced from Gaza or the West Bank. The conflict also saw a significant event in the Red Sea, where U.S. and British warships thwarted a large attack by Yemen’s Houthi movement on shipping lanes.
In summary, Israel defended itself against genocide accusations at the UN court, with the conflict in Gaza continuing to escalate, drawing international attention and concern.
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