Saturday, January 06, 2024

Israel fears ruling from International Court of Justice over Gaza attacks

South Africa has used photo evidence captured by Turkish global news agency Anadolu to show that Israel committed war crimes in its onslaught on Gaza.



AA ARCHIVE

Smoke rising from a damaged area in Gaza is seen from Kibbutz Be'eri, Israel as Israeli attacks continue on Gaza on January 05, 2024. / Photo: AA Archive


Following South Africa's lawsuit, Tel Aviv is concerned and anticipating a possible verdict from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) compelling Israel to halt its ongoing assault on Gaza.


The Israeli Broadcasting Authority stated in a brief statement on Friday that Tel Aviv fears the issuance of a decision by the court in The Hague ordering the cessation of hostilities in Gaza, without providing further details.


South Africa suspended relations with Israel on November 21, in response to its army’s intensified attacks on Gaza. And later on December 29, it filed a petition with the ICJ to initiate genocidal proceedings against Tel Aviv.


It requested that Israel immediately cease all acts and measures in violation of its obligations as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention.


The application was filed "concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in relation to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip," the ICJ said in a press release.


South Africa is using photo evidence captured by Turkish global news agency Anadolu to show that Israel committed war crimes in its onslaught on Gaza as it brings its genocide case against Tel Aviv at the ICJ.


In the case file submitted by South Africa to the international court based in The Hague, photos by Anadolu, also featured in a report by Amnesty International, are serving as evidence to help prove Israel's use of banned white phosphorus munitions in Gaza, one of the most densely populated regions in the world.



"Israel has engaged in, is engaging in, and risks further engaging in genocidal acts against the Palestinian people in Gaza," the African country said.


Israel has pounded Gaza since a cross-border attack by the Palestinian group Hamas on October 7, killing at least 22,185 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring around 58,000 others, according to local health authorities.


Israeli attacks have left Gaza in ruins, with 60 percent of the enclave’s infrastructure damaged or destroyed, and nearly 2 million residents displaced amid acute shortages of food, clean water, and medicines.



SOURCE: AA

Report: 100 Chilean Lawyers Accuse Netanyahu of War Crimes, File Complaint at ICC


TEHRAN (FNA)- About 100 Chilean lawyers, most of whom are of Palestinian origin, have filed a complaint with the International Criminal Court regarding the crimes of the Israeli occupation in the Gaza Strip, WAFA news agency reported.

The complaint alleges charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity committed by the Israeli army on Palestinians.

“They are demanding that [Israeli Prime Minister] Benjamin Netanyahu bear criminal responsibilities, to impose an immediate ceasefire,” said Francisco Shahwan, the chairman of the foreign relations committee.

The complainant is calling for the issuance of an arrest warrant against Netanyahu and other officials and soldiers responsible for these crimes, Shahwan added.

Israel started its military aggression against Gaza on October 7 following an operation by the territory's resistance groups, dubbed Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said on Saturday, at least 122 Palestinians were killed and 256 others wounded by Israeli bombardment over the past 24 hours in Gaza. That brings the total death toll in Gaza since 7 October to 22,722 Palestinians, with 58,166 others wounded.

The war has left Gaza in ruins, with half of the coastal territory's housing damaged or destroyed and nearly 2 million people displaced within the densely-populated enclave amid shortages of food and clean water.


Finland urged to intervene in international court of justice hearing on alleged war crimes in Gaza

 06 JANUARY 2024


Israeli soldiers operating in the Gaza Strip amid continuing battles between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Photo: Israeli Army / AFP /

The International Committee Against House Demolitions (ICAHD) Finland, in collaboration with the Sumud - Finnish Palestine Network, has issued an urgent appeal to Finland's UN Ambassador and national leadership. The appeal, pertaining to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) hearing scheduled for January 11–12 in The Hague, urges Finland to promptly submit an intervention declaration in the lawsuit initiated by South Africa against alleged war crimes in Gaza.

This move comes as a group of high-ranking UN experts warn of a potential "genocide in progress" in Gaza, urging the international community to take all necessary measures to prevent further atrocities. The ICJ hearing presents a historic opportunity for Finland to address Israeli war crimes and fulfill its international legal obligations to prevent the continuation of such crimes and ensure accountability.

The appeal, accompanied by the ICJ's press release regarding South Africa's challenge filed on December 29, 2023, highlights the urgency of the situation and the role Finland could play in shaping international responses to these serious allegations.

HT

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