What did the World Court establish in the case of South Africa's genocide against Israel?
The International Court of Justice recognized the legal grounds for South Africa's genocide case against Israel during the Gaza war but refrained from ordering a ceasefire.
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The International Court of Justice has acknowledged the legal basis of South Africa's genocide case against Israel amid the war in Gaza, but it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.
The World Court was asked to grant emergency measures to halt Israel's military campaign, which has resulted in the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians. However, it stopped short of calling for a ceasefire.
South Africa requested the judges to impose provisional measures. These include Israel refraining from causing harm to Palestinians, providing urgent aid to Gaza, and preventing and punishing any incitement to genocide, among other measures.
Why it matters
Importantly, the court chose not to dismiss the case, recognizing that some of the acts and omissions by Israel in Gaza may fall within the provisions of the genocide convention. Citing inflammatory comments from Israeli officials, the court found merit in South Africa's claims, asserting the necessity to protect Palestinians from genocide based on statements made by top Israeli officials.
Friday's decision is interim; it could take years for South Africa's full case to be considered.
Israel denies the genocide accusation.
Israel launched a massive air and ground assault on Gaza after Hamas stormed Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths (civilians and soldiers, according to Israeli authorities) and the abduction of another 250. The Health Ministry in the Hamas-run enclave reported more than 26,000 Palestinians killed, with about two-thirds identified as women and children.
Israeli Airstrike Kills 5 Iran's IRGC Members in Syria
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that five of its military advisers were killed last Saturday in an Israeli air raid on a residential building in Damascus, Syria's capital.
Why it matters
The strike occurred amidst escalating tensions in the region as Israel continues its offensive in Gaza, fueling concerns about broader conflicts. Last month, an Israeli airstrike in a Damascus suburb claimed the life of Iranian general Seyed Razi Mousavi, a longtime IRGC adviser in Syria. Earlier this month, an Israel-suspected strike in Beirut killed top Hamas commander Saleh Arouri. In recent weeks, rockets launched from Syria targeted northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, heightening tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border. Additionally, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels carried out attacks on ships in the Red Sea, further contributing to regional instability.
US and UK Strike Houthi Sites; Navy Denies Missile Attack on US Ship
The U.S. and U.K. conducted strikes on eight Houthi military sites in Yemen on Monday, January 22, according to the Pentagon. This marks the eighth US-led strike against the Iran-backed rebel group since military operations started on January 11. Despite President Joe Biden acknowledging the raids' ineffectiveness in deterring aggression, the military action aims to prevent Houthi attacks on shipping in the Red Sea.
On the same day, the Houthi rebel group in Yemen claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting the American military cargo ship M/V Ocean Jazz in the Gulf of Aden. The U.S.-flagged vessel, known for transporting U.S. military cargoes, was allegedly hit. However, the U.S. Navy promptly denied the Houthi reports of a successful attack, claiming continuous communication with the ship.
Why it matters
The Houthis started their Red Sea military operations in November, claiming to target Israeli-linked vessels in support of Palestinians amid the Hamas-Israel conflict. As the Houthis' attacks caused the disruption of the global trade in the vital Red Sea, the U.S. and UK responded with several strikes on Houthi sites in Yemen.
Israel Says 24 IDF Soldiers Were Killed in One Day in Gaza
The Israeli military reports that 24 soldiers, including 21 reservists, were killed in Gaza on Monday. The fatalities resulted from an explosion likely caused by mines placed by Israeli forces in two buildings for demolition, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The incident likely began with a rocket-propelled grenade fired at a tank guarding troops within Gaza, approximately 600 meters from the border fence with Israel. Simultaneously, an explosion occurred in the two two-storey buildings where explosives had been planted, leading to their demolition.
Why it matters
The recent attack marked the deadliest incident for the IDF in Gaza since the ground invasion started on October 27.
Hamas and other Palestinian military groups continue launching attacks on Israeli forces across the Gaza Strip.
In Khan Younis, Palestinian fighters engaged in deliberate defense against Israeli clearing operations, utilizing weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), mortars, and explosively formed penetrators (EFPs).
The IDF persisted in clearing operations, conducting raids, precision mortar strikes, and eliminating fighters in various neighborhoods.
Ongoing clashes persist between Palestinian militias and the IDF in the Gaza Strip, maintaining a tense situation.
Deadly Shelling Hits UN Shelter Amid Escalating South Gaza Fighting
An Israeli tank struck a building in Khan Younis on Wednesday, January 24, sheltering hundreds of displaced people, according to the United Nations.
The attack occurred as Israeli forces intensified operations in southern Gaza, prompting Palestinians to flee.
At least nine people were killed, and 75 others were injured.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini noted that the Khan Younis Training Center, housing 30,000 people, was hit despite being clearly marked as a UN site.
The IDF's recent offensive on Khan Younis targeted medical facilities, hindering relief efforts. While Israel initially claimed the area was a Hamas base, it later denied hitting the UN center after U.S. criticism. It added that the military is conducting a thorough review to ascertain if the strike resulted from Hamas fire.
Why it matters
Since the start of Israel's ground offensive in late October, Washington has expressed concerns and sought information about incidents, although it has seldom openly criticized specific Israeli actions.
Israeli forces initiated their most extensive ground offensive in at least a month, encircling Khan Younis, where hundreds of thousands of people who fled fighting in other parts of Gaza are currently located.
Residents reported that Israeli warnings to evacuate the area were issued only after the operation had started, and the main road out was already closed.
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My name is Dario Sabaghi, and I am a freelance journalist interested in international news focusing on the MENA region.
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Cover photo | Associated Press/Google images