The Trial
Israel is in the dock as South Africa files a genocide case before the International Court of Justice.
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Regardless of the outcome, South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice represents a significant historical moment for the conflict in the Middle East.
While the hearings started on January 11 with South Africa presenting evidence of Israel's alleged genocidal intent against the Palestinian population, Israel will defend itself today, January 12, at the ICJ. It will respond to South Africa's accusations, which are backed by several countries, including Turkey and Jordan, and present legal arguments justifying its actions in Gaza.
The 84-page document that South Africa filed against Israel presents evidence of Israel's alleged failure to provide crucial resources like food, water, medicine, fuel, and shelter to the Gaza Strip during a conflict lasting over three months. The document highlights a sustained bombing campaign that devastated much of the enclave, leading to the evacuation of approximately 1.9 million Palestinians and resulting in over 23,000 deaths, according to Gaza health authorities. Additionally, the document emphasizes public statements and actions by Israeli authorities that could be interpreted as indicating genocidal intent toward the Palestinian population in Gaza.
South Africa aims to halt Israel's military operations in Gaza as its immediate goal.
While the court won't reach a final decision on South Africa's genocide allegations until a future hearing on the merits—potentially years away—this week's hearings could result in interim measures, which might include urging Israel to cease its military actions in Gaza.
The court's decision on such measures could come within weeks or months. Nevertheless, it's essential to note that the ICJ lacks the means to enforce its rulings. This limitation became evident in the case involving Ukraine and Russia; despite the ICJ directing Russia to halt its military operations in Ukraine, Russia's invasion persisted.
But from a symbolic standpoint, the court's ruling could potentially contribute to Israel's political and economic isolation.
Top Stories of the Week
South Africa accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza at UN court hearing
In a significant move, South Africa has formally accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians, urging the United Nations' top court to order an immediate cessation of Israeli military actions in Gaza.
Despite Israel's strong denial and historical avoidance of international tribunals, it has actively engaged with the court to defend its reputation.
South African lawyers highlighted the recent Gaza conflict as part of long-standing Israeli oppression against Palestinians.
The African country aims for preliminary orders to halt Israel's military operations in Gaza, where the Health Ministry reports over 23,000 deaths.
The court's decisions are binding, but the response from Israel remains uncertain.
Non-compliance could lead to U.N. sanctions, potentially hindered by a U.S. veto. The two-day hearing continues, with Israel set to present its defense today, January 12.
Why it matters
This case is one of the most pivotal in international court history, addressing a core issue in one of the world's most enduring conflicts. The court, tasked with resolving disputes between nations, has never previously held a country accountable for genocide. Its closest precedent dates back to 2007 when it determined that Serbia failed in its duty to prevent genocide during the 1995 massacre of over 8,000 Muslim men and boys in Srebrenica by Bosnian Serb forces.
Israeli strike kills Hezbollah's senior commander
An Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon on January 8 resulted in the death of Wissam al-Tawil, a senior commander of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force. Al-Tawil was instrumental in overseeing operations in the southern region amid ongoing military tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon's southern border.
Hezbollah retaliated by firing at least 60 long-range precision-guided missiles and rockets at the Mount Meron air base. This action was in response to the killing of top Hamas official Salah al-Arouri. Additionally, they successfully targeted the Israeli army headquarters in Safed, northern Israel, following the killing of Commander al-Tawil.
Why it matters
The killing of al-Tawil has heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, further escalating from the Israeli strike on January 2 in Beirut that targeted top Hamas official Salah al-Arouri. This situation raises concerns about the potential for a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, a scenario experts believe could be more devastating than previous conflicts involving Gaza, impacting both Israel and Lebanon severely.
UN Security Council calls on Houthis to cease Red Sea assaults
On January 10, the U.N. Security Council urged Yemen's Houthis to halt Red Sea ship attacks and called for the release of the seized Japanese-operated vessel, Galaxy Leader, and its crew. Overnight airstrikes by the U.S., Britain, and allies targeted Houthi sites in Yemen. In response, the Houthis vowed to continue military actions in the Red Sea, linking their actions to support for Gaza until Israeli operations cease.
Why it matters
Houthi military operations in the Red Sea are raising concerns among Western nations due to their potential impact on global trade. This route accounts for approximately 12% of global trade, and vessels traveling to and from the Suez Canal to the north are being discouraged from using this route.
Israel kills the son of Al-Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief
Wael Dahdouh, Al-Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief, mourned the loss of his 27-year-old son, Hamza Dahdouh, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike along with colleague Mustafa Thuraya in Rafah on January 7. This tragedy adds to Wael Dahdouh's personal grief, as he had previously discovered during a live broadcast in October that his wife, 15-year-old son, 7-year-old daughter, and grandson had died in an Israeli airstrike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Initially, Israel labeled Dahdouh's son as a terrorist, but Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari later characterized the incident as "unfortunate," retracting the initial claims.
Why it matters
As of January 12, the death of Dahdouh's son marks the most recent loss among journalists in the Gaza conflict. The Committee to Protect Journalists reports a total of 79 confirmed deaths among journalists and media workers: 72 Palestinian, four Israeli, and three Lebanese. Additionally, six journalists have been reported injured, three are missing, and 21 have been arrested.
U.S. Secretary of State concludes latest Middle East tour
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken concluded his Mideast tour this week, focusing on post-conflict planning for Gaza following the Israel-Hamas conflict. His itinerary included visits to Israel, the West Bank, Bahrain, Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and concluded in Egypt on January 11.
Why it matters
Despite challenges from Israel's government, Blinken gained support from Arab and Muslim nations like Turkey, Jordan, and the UAE, among others, aiming for reconstruction and governance in Gaza. Key objectives included addressing regional stability, ensuring a Palestinian state's pathway, and reforming the Palestinian Authority. Although Israel's alignment remains uncertain due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's opposition, there's a heightened commitment from regional players to navigate long-term solutions that enhance Israel's security and realize Palestinian statehood.
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About me
My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.
Check out my work at dariosabaghi.com.
You can follow me on Twitter: @DarioSabaghi
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Cover photo | Remko De Waalepa/EFE/EPA - Al-Jazeera