Israel vs Palestine/Lebanon/Iran/Yemen/Syria: a New Middle East War

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Statement by HAMAS:

The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas is following with great interest the deliberations of the International Court of Justice following the request submitted by South Africa to the court to stop the genocide against our people, especially in Gaza.

In light of this, Hamas announces its position based on the fundamental principles of reciprocity and international law, represented as follows:

1) In the event of a decision by the court in The Hague to cease fire, the Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas will commit to a ceasefire as long as the enemy adheres to it.

2) Hamas will release the "Israeli" prisoners it is holding, if the occupation state releases all the Palestinian prisoners detained by it.

3) The Zionist enemy must end its 18-year siege on the Gaza Strip and allow in all necessary aid for the relief of the people, and reconstruction.

https://x.com/TheCradleMedia/status/1750580596546367784

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Hamas Spox. Osama Hamdan: Israel FM should get award for "stupidest person". Plans to displace Palestinians to an artificial island are "sick dreams"

"Our people are standing firmly on their territory like mountains, and the occupation, God willing, will come to an end. These invaders will return from where they came from, from the four corners of the world."

https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1750580194564329713

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https://x.com/upholdreality/status/1750568005019242575

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/bears_with/status/1750582395147849849

https://x.com/bears_with/status/1750528953079787957

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1750475405289828567

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https://x.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1750471289100226565

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https://x.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1750453940544536759

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27 dead in another crime by Zionists in Gaza:

Palestinian citizens were waiting to receive humanitarian aid in Kuwait Square in #Gaza when they were targeted by the Israeli army.

In this attack, 20 people were martyred, and 150 others were injured.

Also, 7 more people were killed in the Zionist army's attack on Hayat school in Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip.

https://x.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1750481010150519043

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https://x.com/IrnaEnglish/status/1750517728895467578

https://en.irna.ir/news/85365523/Rus...-for-immediate

Representatives of Iran, Turkiye, and Russia issued a joint statement on outcomes of the 21st international meeting on Syria in the Astana Format on January 24-25, 2024.

The full text of the joint statement is as follows:

The representatives of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Russian Federation, and the Republic of Türkiye as guarantor countries of the Astana Format:

1. Examined the latest international and regional developments and emphasized the leading role of the Astana Process in promoting the lasting settlement of the Syrian crisis.

2. Acknowledged the negative impact of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the situation in the Syrian Arab Republic. Underlined the importance of preventing the armed confrontation area from expanding and other states of the region from being dragged into the confrontation. Expressed deep concern over the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and stressed the need to end Israeli brutal onslaught against the Palestinians and sending humanitarian aid to Gaza. Called for the implementation of the UNGA Resolution A/ES/-10/L.27 (2023) demanding an immediate ceasefire and compliance by all parties with their obligations under international law.

3. Reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to the sovereignty, independence, unity and territorial integrity of the Syrian Arab Republic as well as to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter and highlighted that these principles should be universally respected and complied with.

4. Emphasized the importance of continuation of efforts for the restoration of relations between Türkiye and Syria on the basis of mutual resperct, goodwill, and good-neighborly relations in order to combat terrorism, create proper conditions for the safe, voluntary and dignified return of Syrians with the involvement of United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), revitalize the political process and ensure the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to all Syrians. Welcomed the efforts of the Astana format guarantors to this end within the framework of quadrilateral format.

5. Expressed their determination to continue working together to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and stand against separatist agendas aimed at undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria and threatening the national security of the neighboring countries, including through cross-border attacks and infiltrations. Condemned activities of terrorist groups and their affiliates operating under different names in various parts of Syria, including attacks targeting civilian facilities that cause civilian casualties. Highlighted the need to fully implement all arrangements related to the north of Syria.

6. Reviewed in detail the situation in the Idlib de-escalation area and underscored the necessity to maintain calm on the ground by fully implementing all agreements on Idlib. Expressed their serious concern over the presence and activities of terrorist groups that pose threat to civilians inside and outside the Idlib de-escalation area. Agreed to make further efforts to ensure sustainable normalization of the situation in and around the Idlib de-escalation area, including the humanitarian situation.

7. Discussed the situation in the north-east of the Syrian Arab Republic and agreed that constant security and stability in this region can only be achieved on the basis of preserving the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country. Rejected all attempts to create new realities on the ground, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives under the pretext of combating terrorism. Reaffirmed their determination to confront separatist agendas that aim to undermine the unity of Syria and threaten the national security of neighboring countries, including through cross-border attacks and infiltration also from the west of the Euphrates. Reiterated their opposition to the continued illegal seizure and transfer of oil resources that should belong to Syria. Denounced all unilateral sanctions that violate international law, international humanitarian law and UN Charter, including all selective measures and exemptions with the respect to specific areas in Syria that could lead the country to collapse by facilitating the separatist agenda. Condemned the actions of countries supporting terrorism that undermines the unity of the Syrian state, including illegitimate self-rule initiatives in the northeast of Syria. Expressed grave concern with all forms of oppression by the separatist groups against civilians in east of Euphrates which recently led to clashes with Arab tribes in the region, including forced conscription, through suppression of peaceful demonstrations, and discriminatory practices in the field of education as well as restrictions placed on political activities, journalists, right to assembly and freedom of movement.

8. Condemned any efforts by any country to fuel terrorist and separatist aspirations of individual ethnic and faith groups of population, as well as provide them with weapons.

9. Condemned all Israeli military attacks in Syria. Considered these actions as a violation of international law, international humanitarian law, the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Syria, and recognized them as destabilizing and exacerbating tensions in the region and called for the ceasing of these attacks. Reaffirmed the need to abide by universally recognized international legal decisions, including the provisions of the relevant UN resolutions rejecting the occupation of the Syrian Golan, first and foremost UN Security Council Resolutions 242 and 497, especially that these Israeli decisions and actions in this regard are deemed null and void and of no legal effect.

10. Expressed their conviction that there could be no military solution in Syria and reaffirmed their commitment to advance a viable and lasting Syrian-led and Syrian-owned, UN-facilitated political process in line with the UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

11. Underlined the important role of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, established with the decisive contribution of the guarantor countries of the Astana Format for the implementation of the decisions of the Syrian National Dialogue Congress in Sochi, in promoting the political settlement in the Syrian Arab Republic. Called for an early resumption of its work and holding the 9th round of its Drafting Commission while ensuring the constructive approach by the Syrian parties. In this regard, reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Committee's work through continued engagement with the Syrian parties to the Committee and the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen as facilitator to ensure its sustainable and effective work. Stressed the need for the Constitutional Committee to pursue its activities without any bureaucratic and logistical barriers. Urged to immediately ensure all the necessary conditions for the unimpeded work of the Committee. Expressed their conviction that in its work the Constitutional Committee should abide by the Terms of Reference and the Core Rules of Procedure to enable it to carry out its mandate of preparing and drafting a constitutional reform.

12. Expressed serious concern over the humanitarian situation in Syria further aggravated by the consequences of the devastating earthquake on 6 February 2023.

13. Emphasized the importance of continuing and increasing humanitarian assistance to Syria in line with international law and UN General Assembly Resolution 46/182. Called for providing adequate donor funding for humanitarian assistance to all Syrians taking into account the increased risk of food insecurity stemming from the reduction in the assistance programmes implemented by the WFP due to the budgetary restraints. Took note of the decision by the Government of the Syrian Arab Republic to extend the authorization for UN humanitarian agencies to use border crossing point Bab al-Hawa with Türkiye from 13 January to 13 July 2024 to carry out crossborder operations to deliver aid to the civilian population in the north-western areas of the Syrian Arab Republic, as well as two border crossing points with Türkiye – Bab al-Salam and Al-Rai until 13 February 2024, in order to provide assistance to the areas affected by the earthquake of 6 February 2023; highlighted the importance of continuing uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian assistance to all Syrians through all UN approved modalities including UN cross-border and cross-line aid to northwest of Syria. Emphasized the need to remove barriers and increase humanitarian assistance to all Syrians throughout the country without discrimination, politicization, or preconditions.

14. In order to help improve the humanitarian situation in Syria and achieve progress in political settlement, called on the international community, the United Nations and its humanitarian agencies to increase their assistance to all Syrians through the implementation of the early recovery and resilience projects, including through the restoration of basic infrastructure assets – water and electricity supply facilities, sanitation, health, education, schools, and hospitals as well as the humanitarian demining projects in line with international humanitarian law.

15. Stressed the need to facilitate the safe, dignified, and voluntary return of refugees and IDPs to their places of residence in Syria, and to ensure their right of return and right to be supported. Called on the international community to provide the necessary support to the Syrian refugees and IDPs and reaffirmed their readiness to continue engaging with all relevant parties, including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other specialized international agencies. Noted the importance for continuation of work to create necessary conditions in Syria for voluntary and dignified return of Syrians.

16. Reiterated their determination to continue operations on the mutual release of detainees/abductees within the framework of the Working Group on the Release of Detainees/Abductees, the Handover of the Bodies and Identification of Missing Persons, which is a unique mechanism that has proved both necessary and effective in building confidence between the Syrian parties. Decided to intensify joint efforts to ensure the release of detainees/abductees. Agreed on the need to expand the activities of the Working Group by including the issues of the handover of bodies and establishment of identity of missing persons. Welcomed the aspiration to step up the activities within the Group.

17. Welcomed the participation of the delegations of Jordan, Iraq and Lebanon as observers of the Astana Format as well as representatives of the United Nations and the ICRC.

18. Expressed their sincere gratitude to the Kazakhstan authorities for holding the 21st International Meeting on Syria in Astana. Emphasized the special role played by the Kazakhstan side as a country hosting the International Meetings on Syria, which had been an initiator of the Astana process and had always provided venue and hospitality to ensure the smooth functioning of this unique multilateral mechanism.

19. Noted the agreement to hold the next Summit in the Russian Federation as enshrined in the Joint Statement of the Tripartite Summit of 19 July 2022.

20. Agreed to convene the 22nd International Meeting on Syria in the second half of 2024 in Astana.

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https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status...09094757568772

[Ravenlocke]

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The number of murdered #Palestinians by "Israel" has now reached 25,900, announced the #Gazan Ministry of Health.

The health sector in #Gaza has suffered mighty blows as the occupation prevents humanitarian aid from reaching the Strip, continuously bombs hospitals and ambulances, and kills medical personnel and takes them hostages. All of these and more have made rescue operations next to impossible, with 64,110 Palestinians reported injured since October 7.

#Palestine
#GazaGenocide

https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status...86364972650966

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https://x.com/AJEnglish/status/1750603665977610651

[Ravenlocke]

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/...srael-gaza-war

What will the ICJ announce on Israel’s Gaza war? The possible scenarios
The World Court’s interim measures could being relief for Israel, vindication for Palestinians or offer a bit of both.

On Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) will announce its decision on emergency or provisional measures against Israel in an interim verdict after South Africa filed a case against Israel accusing it of committing genocide in Gaza.

Here is what we know about the possible rulings that the ICJ could deliver, and what they might mean for Israel, Palestine, and their respective allies.

What is South Africa’s case against Israel?

On December 29, South Africa filed an 84-page legal case at the ICJ accusing Israel of violating the 1984 Genocide Convention during its near-four-month bombardment of Gaza.

Israel has dismissed the genocide allegations as “grossly distorted” and deemed them “blood libel”, saying it was acting in self-defence and targeting Hamas, not Palestinian civilians.

On January 11 and 12, the ICJ conducted hearings during which South Africa presented its case and, then, Israel defended itself.

Will the court determine whether Israel is committing genocide?

The ICJ will not deal with the core question of whether Israel is committing genocide on Friday. For now, it will only announce, at 1pm local time (12:00 GMT) whether it can order provisional or emergency measures in Gaza and what those measures will be, while it deliberates the case for genocide.

Experts have said a ruling on the overall case, which will determine whether or not Israel is committing genocide, could take as long as three or four years.

Here are the possible scenarios for what the court could announce on Friday:

Could the court throw out the case?

Israel argued in its response to South Africa’s ICJ allegations that the global court does not have jurisdiction over the case.

It argued that South Africa had not communicated with Israel adequately about the case before filing the application to the court, as is required by the court’s own rules.

The Israeli representative claimed South Africa had given it only a few days to respond to a notification that it was committing genocide. He said that Tel Aviv had been open to the idea of a dialogue, but that South Africa had first rejected a written request due to a holiday, and then had replied that there was “no point” in having a discussion.

The ICJ’s rules require the petitioning nation to show that a dispute exists with the country it is accusing, and that they have tried to address it before approaching the court.

If the ICJ announces Friday that it does not have jurisdiction in the case, the specific requests made by South Africa become immaterial.

What emergency measures has South Africa requested?

When it filed the case, South Africa asked the ICJ to order a series of provisional measures to cease violence in Gaza until the court makes its ruling on the case – a process which experts say may take years.

Some of South Africa’s demands are that:

Israel suspend military operations in and against Gaza.
Israel’s military organisations not escalate military operations any further.
Israel allow access to adequate food, water, fuel, shelter, hygiene and sanitation.
Israel prevent the destruction of Palestinian life in Gaza.
Israel not destroy evidence relevant to South Africa’s genocide allegations against it, nor deny international organisations such as fact-finding missions access to Gaza to help preserve this evidence.

What emergency measures is the ICJ likely to order?

If the court does announce provisional measures, Neve Gordon, an international law professor at Queen Mary University of London, told Al Jazeera that these could cover some or all of South Africa’s requests – or it could order entirely different provisional measures determined by the court itself.

Some commentators believe that the court may fall short of ordering a full ceasefire. It could, instead, order access to adequate humanitarian relief, Gordon said, adding that this would be a win for Israel.

In such a case, Israel could easily avoid international ramifications by saying it would allow more aid in, then not actually doing much to facilitate it. Additionally, aid agencies have said previously that the arrival of adequate humanitarian aid in Gaza without a ceasefire is unrealistic, as aid trucks have been unable to reach parts of Gaza, such as the north, due to obstacles created by Israel’s siege and violence in the enclave.

While it is unclear whether and what interim measures the court might order, experts have said that, under international law, it ought to order a ceasefire. “If you look at what is happening on-ground in the Gaza Strip, then I think the court should order a ceasefire,” Gordon said.

However, he added that “the decision made by the court in my opinion is an entanglement between a legal argument and a political argument”. This is because the panel of 17 judges come from different countries and it is unclear what impact, if any, the interests of their countries could have on their legal judgements.

“‘How politicised is the decision?’ is a question that needs to be asked,” he said.


What happens if the ICJ orders no provisional measures?

Gordon said he believes the court will order some measures rather than none at all.

However, the ICJ can choose not to order interim measures. This would not mean the end of the legal case, however. The overall case for genocide will still be considered.

If provisional measures are not ordered, South Africa and the countries that have backed it in its complaint against Israel will have to try avenues for stopping violence other than international legal fora, since the ICJ is the highest world court and the supreme legal authority, Gordon explained. This could include taking the issue up with the UN Security Council or placing legal pressure on countries providing Israel with weapons.

Alternatively, if they believe the violence is persisting and escalating, another country, or even South Africa again, can file a new, separate case with the ICJ.

Could an ICJ ruling make any difference for Gaza?

The ICJ’s rulings are legally binding and cannot be appealed. However, the court has no way of enforcing them and the enforcement is left to the international community.

“Whether Israel takes the measures into account or not is a different story,” said Gordon.

“Israel cannot appeal the court’s ruling, and it will have to decide whether it abides by the court’s decision or not,” he added.

If it does not abide by the ruling, a member state of the UN Security Council (UNSC) can escalate this before the Council, which will then vote to require Israel to abide by the provisional measures.

The US could possibly cast a veto in this vote, a move the permanent member has repeatedly made in the past to obviate accountability for its close ally Israel.

However, Gordon pointed out that a resolution drafted by a Security Council member state might hold different weight compared with a decision made by the highest court in the world. If the US vetoes a Security Council resolution based on the ICJ decision “it will expose the duplicity of the US like no other veto before”.

In a scenario in which the US does not veto and the UNSC passes the resolution, it would have the power to take punitive action against Israel. Past examples of UNSC action have included economic or trade sanctions, arms embargoes and travel bans.

The UN charter also allows the Council to go a step further and intervene with force. An example of this happened in 1991 when a US-led military alliance was created to reverse the invasion of Kuwait by the Iraqi leader, Saddam Hussein.

An ICJ ruling on the provisional measures in Gaza could possibly be actionable, therefore. However, it would be up to the international community to enforce it.

[ExomatrixTV]

• WEF Stooge Speaks:

The PM is asked if an Israeli soldier shooting dead a Palestinian civilian holding a white flag is a war crime.

Sunak refuses to say & explains his priority is to get a pause [in Israeli soldiers shooting dead Palestinians holding white flags]. Notice he doesn't want a stop to it!


He, just, REFUSE to answer a very simple question, meanwhile can answer similar questions SUPER FAST if Hamas were to committed war crimes or other horrific things that helps to push their narrative (talking points). The hypocrisy is harrowing.

[ExomatrixTV]

• Israeli Intelligence Admits VILEST Lie:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=awffsJC5y90

It wasn't just the Israeli who peddled this lie - so did Western politicians and journalists. But Israeli intelligence has privately admitted the truth.

• This Israeli Soldier Fought In Gaza. Now He Speaks Out:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=n0KKHIS9D7I

Ariel Bernstein is a former IDF combat soldier who fought in Gaza in 2014. Now he campaigns for peace and against the occupation. This is one of the most fascinating interviews I've done - he tells me about his experience in Gaza, about dehumanisation, Israel's wartime propaganda - and where this is all heading.

[gini]

Reporters & politicians who are critically about Israels' violent (genocidal)actions getting attacked in the regular media This is part of the show from Sabrina
Salvati where she puts the focus on the smearing of Bria Gray from Rising.
'Zionists ATTACK Briahna Joy Gray (clip)'--25/1/24--32 min -

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=fNCIcoD7jpE

[Rizotto]

Two great interviews by Judge Napolitano on the issue of Israel's genocide of Palestinians. Approximately 25 minutes each.

With Max Blumenthal, some of the points discussed is the need for a ceasefire before any hostages can be exchanged, etc.:
Max Blumenthal: Will the Killing Stop?

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=dJNjfje_BGM

With peace activist Medea Benjamen, of 'Code Pink', regarding the impact of protests against the USA's support of Israel's genocide of Palestinians.
Medea Benjamin: Does Antiwar Activism Move the Needle?

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=mg_EALZk3zw

[Rizotto]

Israeli students at Columbia University harass pro-Palestinian protesters. (This type of 'skunk' attack has actually been used by Isrealis against West Bank's residents in Palestine...)

NYPD investigates Columbia "skunk" attack on pro-Palestine students
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/636B4FK1HxE

[Tintin]

Posted by Bill Ryan (here)
The ICJ is presenting its genocide judgement right now. This is one of many sites with live running text updates:

https://aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/...case-against-i

The live broadcast is here:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=FRsprNTNiNM

Edit to add:

As best as I'm able to understand from the running presentation, which is still in progress as I write this, anyone feeling deep concern about the ongoing situation in Gaza may be greatly encouraged by the court's response so far.




Further edit:

By 15 votes to 2, the court orders Israel take all measures to prevent genocide.

Israel must ensure its forces do not commit genocide and also ensure preservation of evidence of alleged genocide.

By 16 votes to 1, measures must be implemented to provide all necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza.

(There's far more than just this. Much analysis and comment will surely follow. )

Thanks very much Just been listening to this and your update is so very helpful here

[Bill Ryan]

The ICJ is presenting its genocide judgement right now. This is one of many sites with live running text updates:

https://aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/...case-against-i

The live broadcast is here:

Source: https://youtube.com/watch?v=FRsprNTNiNM

Edit to add:

As best as I'm able to understand from the running presentation, which is still in progress as I write this, anyone feeling deep concern about the ongoing situation in Gaza may be greatly encouraged by the court's response so far.



Further edit:

By 15 votes to 2, the court orders Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide.

Israel must ensure its forces do not commit genocide and also ensure preservation of evidence of alleged genocide.

By 16 votes to 1, measures must be implemented to provide all necessary humanitarian aid to Gaza.

(There's far more than just this. Much analysis and comment will surely follow. )

Edit to add Al Jazeera's own briefest summary:

• The court says it has jurisdiction to rule in the case.
• The court orders Israel to take all measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
• The court says Israel must prevent and punish incitement to genocide in the Gaza Strip.
• The court says Israel must allow humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip.
• The court obliges Israel to take more measures to protect Palestinians but does not order it to end military operations in Gaza.

My own further comment:

This will surely now be taken up at the UN Security Council, in which it's hard to imagine the US could continue to veto any widely supported proposal.

[Bill Ryan]

Yves Smith at Naked Capitalism has already written a good, strong piece. I think I agree with all of it. Some commenters on the net (already) have expressed disappointment that the court did not order a ceasefire. But the ruling will fuel tremendous diplomatic pressure on Israel now via other channels, including the UN. My own view is that this ruling is as strong and positive as one could reasonably have hoped for.

• https://nakedcapitalism.com/2024/01/...ry-action.html

International Court of Justice Rules Forcefully Against Israel in Landmark Genocide Ruling, Including Restricting Military Action

One of the advantages of being a pessimist is that being wrong is a positive event. Like Norman Finkelstein, I had worried that there was still enough fear of crossing the US that the International Court of Justice jurists would use shortcomings in how South Africa had teed up its case procedurally to demur, at least until South Africa tried again, or alternatively would rule largely for South Africa by supporting its provisional measures calling for humanitarian relief, provision of medical services, and similar measures, as well as less controversial but important steps like the preservation of evidence.

I am basing this post on notes taken from the live presentation, where President Joan Donaghue read verbatim most of the ruling. We have embedded the video below and will add the text of the ruling shortly after the Court posts it.

Of critical importance, and a huge smackdown to Israel, is the court came as close as it reasonably could to calling for a ceasefire in ruling for the provisional measure (which it devised itself) for Israel to cease military action against Palestinians as members of a protected group under the Genocide Convention. (1)

I had opined that the Court could not call for a ceasefire since it could not bind Hamas to comply. It would not be sound or shrewd to give Israel an easy pretext for defying the court by saying that a one-sided ceasefire would leave it defenseless.

But impressively, the court went as far as it could, and way way further than I expected, in constraining Israel military operations against the Palestinian population.

Experts will soon opine but I assume this would still allow Israel to pursue Hamas members if it could do so without violating the Genocide Convention. This was 15 to 2, with the only dissents Uganda and the ad hoc judge from Israel.

The Court also implemented a measure which sounded like, and may have indeed been, the third requested by South Africa (3) which I thought the Court would likely not implement as pretty much amounting to a reiteration of Israel’s existing obligations under the Genocide Convention.

Including them came off as an additional rebuke as well as serving for further grounds for ruling against Israel in the upcoming trial if they continued to act wantonly against Palestinians.

It was not all that far into President Donaghue’s reading of the ruling that it was clear the Court had not even slightly bought what Israel was selling. I was surprised to see the Court rely on an Israel FAQ from its Foreign Ministry as the basis for Israel having responded to South Africa. As we pointed out earlier, these sort of media communications are normally not considered to be formal responses.

But perhaps in this era of intense narrative management, those boundaries may have shifted somewhat. But the noteworthy part was not the Court’s conclusion here but that it didn’t deign to dignify Israel’s attempt to dispute the dispute by mentioning its arguments,

Instead, the Court spent a great deal of time on facts and Israel’s unabashed conduct. It was very far into the recitation that the ruling stooped to address one of Israel’s lame defenses, that they had provided humanitarian aid and the Attorney General, very late in the game, fingerwagged officially about not trash talking Palestinians. The text barely politely brushed that aside, saying that was inadequate.

I would need to read the ruling against earlier material (and remember each side did submit further backup) but the Court clearly went beyond what both sides provided, such as the ruling referencing findings from UN officials and agencies after January 12, when Israel made its oral argument.

The Court appeared to give very heavy weight to the many dehumanizing statements made by Israel official (and again, my impression was the judges went beyond the ones provided by South Africa) and the findings of UN officials and agencies on the horrific conditions in Gaza.

In addition to requiring Israel to provide aid and services, stop dehumanizing Palestinians, and quit destroying infrastructure, the provisional measures included the preservation of evidence and requiring Israel to make a written report to the Court in a month on what it was doing to comply with the provisional measures, with South Africa then having the opportunity to comment on the report.

We’ll post the actual order shortly after it is up on the Court’s website. I may also add some hot takes from the Twitterverse. It will be interesting to see how the MSM organs like The Economist, which had vigorously defended Israel, try to ‘splain this. And even more so to see how Israeli politicians and its press try to rationalize this ruling when the vote on every count were so lopsided, and even the US jurist and expected stalwarts like Australia did not side with Israel on any of the provisional measures.

____

From South Africa’s December 29 application:

1. The State of Israel shall immediately suspend its military operations in and against Gaza.
2. The State of Israel shall ensure that any military or irregular armed units which may be directed, supported or influenced by it, as well as any organisations and persons which may be subject to its control, direction or influence, take no steps in furtherance of the military operations referred to point (1) above.
3. The Republic of South Africa and the State of Israel shall each, in accordance with their obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide,in relation to the Palestinian people, take all reasonable measures within their power to prevent genocide.

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/ejmalrai/status/1750928437747839137

https://x.com/ejmalrai/status/1750922280048132581

https://x.com/ejmalrai/status/1750900123075227792

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Text:

That's actually a very important and excellent point: maybe the ICJ did actually order a ceasefire after all 🤔

It ordered Israel to "ensure with immediate effect that its military does not kill any members of the [Palestinians in Gaza, or] cause serious bodily or mental harm to [them]".

Not many other ways to achieve this than actually ceasing fire...

To be clear...the #ICJ has effectively ordered an immediate ceasefire & for #Israel to halt military operations. The order: "The state of Israel shall ensure WITH IMMEDIATE EFFECT that its MILITARY does NOT commit any acts described in point 1. These are: a) Killing of members of the group (Palestinians)
b) Causing serious bodily or mental harm. #Israel must submit a report next month on how they're implementing these measures. #ICJ


https://x.com/RnaudBertrand/status/1750929377679057347

[Ravenlocke]

Text:
Following the #ICJ decision, whereby it ordered "Israel" to ensure its forces do not commit genocide and take measures to improve the humanitarian situation in #Gaza, the #US insists that "Israel" is not committing genocide in Gaza, despite the countless massacres it has committed and the 26,083 #Palestinians it has killed so far.

#Palestine

https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status...28740563972143

[Ravenlocke]

https://x.com/MayadeenEnglish/status...37263159083168

https://english.almayadeen.net/news/...--icj-genocide

Israeli top officials outraged by 'antisemitic' ICJ genocide ruling
Top leaders in the Israeli occupation expressed on Friday outrage following the ruling of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in South Africa's genocide case against the entity regarding its ongoing war on Gaza.

While the court recognized that the Israeli aggression on Gaza falls under the Genocide Convention and that South Africa's case holds plausible merit, it did not call for a ceasefire nor end the war on the Strop and demanded that vague emergency measures be taken, which fall way short of the scope of the tragedy that has befallen Gaza.

The court also commissioned Israeli leaders themselves to prevent their army from "committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza" and other crimes and are expected to report back to the court in one month to clarify how the measures were carried out

But Israelis considered that the mere acknowledgment that "Israel" is involved in what the court described as "possible genocide" acts is enough to tarnish the entity's "international image".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the "outrageous" and "vile" ruling, vowing that the war will continue against "genocidal" Hamas until it reaches its objectives, which as previously declared are to return the captives, "eliminate Hamas", and end the Resistance in Gaza.

Many world countries and international organizations have said earlier that "Israel" is committing crimes against humanity in Gaza, however, Netanyahu said the ICJ's final statement is a "mark of disgrace."

Read more: Maldives, Namibia, Pakistan join South Africa ICJ case vs. 'Israel'

In a statement issued by his office, the Prime Minister said, “The very claim that Israel is carrying out genocide against Palestinians is not only false, it’s outrageous, and the willingness of the court to deliberate it at all is a mark of disgrace that will not be erased for generations."

In a separate video address, Netanyahu said, “On the eve of the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, I again pledge as prime minister of Israel — Never Again."

On his part, Security Minister Yoav Gallant, who called civilians in Gaza "human animals" at the beginning of the war, described South Africa's genocide case against "Israel" as "antisemitic", saying that the entity “does not need to be lectured on morality” in its war on Gaza and will continue its aggression on the Strip to "dismantle" the Palestinian Resistance Hamas.

“The International Court of Justice in The Hague went above and beyond, when it granted South Africa’s antisemitic request to discuss the claim of genocide in Gaza, and now refuses to reject the petition outright,” he said in a statement.

Read more: US against ceasefire, sees no signs of war crimes in Gaza: Kirby

“Those who seek justice, will not find it on the leather chairs of the court chambers in The Hague — they will find it in the Hamas tunnels in Gaza, where 136 hostages are held, and where those who murdered our children are hiding,” Gallant claimed. “They will find it in the ‘Spirit of the IDF,’ a document that outlines the values and conduct of our moral and professional soldiers.”

Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the organization as "antisemitic" that seeks to "persecute Jewish people," asserting that the occupation entity will "do what is necessary" to achieve its goals in Gaza.

“The decision of the antisemitic court in The Hague proves what was already known: This court does not seek justice, but rather the persecution of Jewish people. They were silent during the Holocaust and today they continue the hypocrisy and take it another step further,” he said.

“Decisions that endanger the continued existence of the State of Israel must not be listened to,” he added. “We must continue defeating the enemy until complete victory.”

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ICJ ruling on Gaza 'decisive victory for int'l rule of law': S. Africa
South Africa hailed temporary measures issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the genocide lawsuit against "Israel" at the Hague on Friday, describing them as a "decisive victory" for the international legal system.

The United Nations' highest court asserted its jurisdiction to act on the emergency measures sought by South Africa in its lawsuit against "Israel's" actions in the Gaza war.

As the reading proceeded, the court recognized the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide, adding that the Palestinians are a protected group under the Genocide Convention.

The Court ordered "Israel" to take all measures to prevent genocide acts in Gaza, ensure its forces do not commit genocide, and take measures to improve the humanitarian situation.

"Israel" is required to submit a report to the court within a month, detailing its actions to comply with the order. Furthermore, it must implement measures to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in the context of its war on Gaza.

South Africa's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Clayson Monyela called it "a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people."

Monyela added that the country is thankful to the Court for the "implementation of the international rule of law, the decision is a momentous one," adding that the UNSC would be notified of the court's order.

He also warned that the veto power enjoyed by permanent members of the council must not be used to undermine international justice

"South Africa sincerely hopes that 'Israel' will not act to frustrate the application of this Order, as it has publicly threatened to do, but that it will instead act to comply with it fully, as it is bound to do."

President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to provide a message to the country after the International Court of Justice's order.

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Challenging the #ICJ's imposed emergency measures on "Israel" in favor of #Palestine, Netanyahu reaffirmed his stance, claiming, "The charge of genocide leveled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it."

He further stressed that "Israel's" commitment to international law is "unwavering".

#Gaza's ever-rising death toll from the aggression, which has reached 26,083 martyrs and 64,487 wounded, bears evidence to this "unwavering" commitment.


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