It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Saturday, January 13, 2024
Bronze Age axe: Metal detectorist's 'find of a lifetime' in Scottish field is inspirational, just don't expect such treasures every time – Scotsman comment
Metal detecting is a hobby that requires considerable patience
There has been a surge in the numbers of artefacts found by metal detectorists (Picture: Kevin Brady)
“Will you search through the loamy earth for me?/ Climb through the briar and bramble/ I'll be your treasure...” sings Johnny Flynn in the theme tune of the BBC sitcom Detectorists. Following the popularity of the show, the restrictions imposed during the Covid lockdown have been linked to a surge of interest in the hobby.
For the fortunate few, it can produce artefacts of historic importance – like a highly patterned, Bronze Age axe head, thought to be about 4,000 years old, recently unearthed in a field in the Central Belt. Detectorist Christopher Squires described the ancient weapon as the “find of a lifetime”, with a pattern “so intricate that it is as if it has been machined in a modern machine shop”.
It’s enough to make us all take to the hills and valleys in search of lost treasures. However, for those inspired to get involved, it’s probably a good idea to treat it as an excuse for a long walk in the countryside. For some, “ring pull, ’83, Tizer” – as Lance finds in Detectorists – may be about the best they can expect.
Wales NHS pressure fears over junior doctors' strike
13th January 2024 By Ben Price
BBC News
PA Media
Junior doctors in England, likes these outside St Thomas' Hospital in London, staged a six-day walkout earlier in January
NHS leaders are worried the junior doctors' strike in Wales will coincide with one of the most difficult week's of the year for the health service.
A three-day walkout from Monday is due to a pay dispute between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Welsh government.
NHS leaders said they knew staff did not take the decision lightly.
Health Minister Eluned Morgan said she understood the frustration, but there is no more money to offer.
"The only place we can go for more money is to cut it from other parts of the NHS and I'm not sure if the public would thank us for that," she said.
Ms Morgan reassured people that urgent and life-threatening care will continue to be provided.
Welsh NHS Confederation director Darren Hughes said NHS bosses were "concerned" the strikes were taking places "on one of the most pressurised weeks of the year, following recent weeks of significant winter pressures".
He added: "Inevitably there will be a knock-on effect on the NHS's capacity to perform the balancing act of winter pressures versus making inroads into the elective backlog.
"NHS leaders know staff do not take the decision to strike lightly, as we all know the impact it has on patients and colleagues."
There are nearly 4,000 junior doctors in Wales, including those in the first year of their career as a doctor, as well as those on the brink of becoming a consultant.
Of the 65% of junior doctors who voted during the ballot on industrial action, 98% backed a walkout.
The BMA in Wales said its members "have been forced to take this difficult decision" because they have seen their pay drop by almost a third during the past 15 years.
Dr Oba Babs-Osibodu and Dr Peter Fahey, co-chairs of BMA Cymru Wales' junior doctors committee, said: "No doctor wants to strike. We had hoped the Welsh government had properly understood the strength of feeling amongst junior doctors in Wales.
NHS Wales head Judith Paget has warned of significant disruption during the strike
"Sadly, their inaction over this matter has led us here today, demoralised, frustrated and angry.
"After years of undervaluing our lifesaving service we feel we've been left with no choice but to stand up for the profession and say enough is enough, we cannot and will not accept the unacceptable anymore."
One health board has postponed 80% of planned operations and 75% of outpatient appointments due to the strike, which runs from 07:00 GMT on Monday until the same time on Thursday.
Nearly a quarter of all junior doctors in Wales work for Cardiff and Vale University health board, which provides a large proportion of highly specialised treatments like neurosurgery and transplants.
Its members have already been given a 5% rise by Welsh government, which is below the 6% recommended by the independent remuneration body.
In England, junior doctors have already been given 8.8%, but have rejected an additional offer worth 3% on average.
In Scotland, an improved offer of 12.4% has been accepted, while in Northern Ireland a ballot is planned.
All health boards have advised that any patients with a planned appointment should attend it unless they are contacted by the health board for it to be rearranged.
The strike is expected to mainly affect hospitals, although some GP surgeries could be hi.
The advice from health boards is for people to use the NHS 111 Wales website in the first instance to find out information about the most appropriate service for their needs.
Nine arrested after pro-Palestine protest in London - as 1,700 officers patrolled the capital
13 January 2024, 21:27 | Updated: 13 January 2024, 21:33
Protests have been taking place across London since the war in Gaza broke out in October. Picture: Alamy
By Kieran Kelly and Jasmine Moody
Thousands of pro-Palestine protesters took to the capital's streets on Saturday, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza - with nine arrested.
A huge Met operation was under way with more than 1,700 officers patrolling the streets of London, as hundreds of thousands gathered to protest against the ongoing war in Gaza.
Protesters who "intentionally push the limit" by writing offensive messages on placards and chanting inappropriate slogans had been warned they face arrest.
Forces were even drafted from outside of London.
Three people were arrested on suspicion of showing support for a proscribed organisation, which is an offence under the Terrorism Act, by distributing leaflets.
Three more were arrested for inciting racial hatred - one related to a placard, whilst the other two relating to chanting.
Two more arrests were for racially aggravated public order offences.
The ninth arrest was made for the possession of stickers to be used for criminal damage.
The protest was part of a global day of action, involving 30 other countries, coming after the UK and US carried out air strikes against Houthi bases in Yeman.
This had been the seventh march to have been organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign taking place in London since Hamas attacked Israel in October.
During today's march, protesters waved banners and placards saying "end the siege" and "ceasfire now".
Several protesters made references to the military action, with one man holding a placard claiming the UK and US "want war" and that Yemen "supports Palestine", while one speaker told crowds at Parliament Square that RAF planes were "flying where they do not belong".
Those in attendance were not allowed to march away from their designated route and speeches had a strict end time.
Forces were even drafted from outside of London. Picture: Gett
The Home Secretary, James Cleverly, said on Saturday that he had been briefed by Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley on plans to "ensure order and safety" during the protest.
"I back them to use their powers to manage the protest and crack down on any criminality," Mr Cleverly said.
There was concern the march could be particularly tense following recent strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen, with fears the conflict in Gaza could spread into a regional war.
It comes after the United States carried out more air strikes in Yemen overnight, two days after joint action by the UK and US hit more than 60 targets.
Protestors have been warned: 'Don't cross the line.'. Picture: Getty
Protesters have also been warned they are not to go anywhere near the Israeli embassy in west London.
On Sunday a pro-Israel rally will be held in Trafalgar Square from 2.30pm.
While the majority of protests in recent months have gone ahead without large-scale disorder, there are recurrent examples of pro-Palestinian protesters marching with anti-Semitic slogans on their placards.
There have been repeated examples of placards, banners and other items being carried or worn, or statements being chanted, that have "crossed the line" into religiously or racially aggravated offences or crimes under the Terrorism Act, the force said.
The Met's Counter Terrorism Command has launched around 30 investigations into suspected offending at protests since October 7, the majority of which relate to potential terrorism offences.
Deputy Assistant Commissioner Laurence Taylor, who will lead the policing operation this weekend, said: "We absolutely recognise the passion and strength of feeling sparked by the ongoing conflict and we respect the right of those who wish to protest and have their voices heard to do so.
"We police without fear or favour and where our policing approach differs it is a response to the intelligence and the nature of the event, not those taking part or the cause they represent.
"Officers are present primarily to ensure the safety of those involved, but where we see offences taking place, or where we are made aware of them either online or by other means, we will not hesitate to act.
"These protests and the offences connected to them have been widely reported on in the media and have been the subject of extensive discussions online.
"It is really disappointing that despite this, we have continued to see people turning up carrying placards, wearing clothing or chanting slogans that, certainly by this stage, they should know will cause alarm or distress to others.
"I would appeal to those attending any protest event, whether this weekend or in the future, to consider how their actions will impact on the safety and security of others.
"Those who intentionally push the limits of what may cross the line into criminality will face the consequences.
"I would encourage anyone at the protests who feels unsafe, or sees anything they are concerned about, to speak to an officer."
Edinburgh: Woman, 70, charged after car collides with pro-Palestine protesters
Police said there were reports of minor injuries following the collision with a small number of people but no one needed medical attention.
Saturday 13 January 2024 20:23, UK
A 70-year-old woman has been charged with a driving offence after a car collided with pro-Palestinian protesters in Edinburgh.
Police Scotland said the crash involved a small number of people and, while there had been reports of minor injuries, no one needed medical attention.
Pictures posted on social media show a black Seat Leon surrounded by protesters and police officers on The Mound in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.
A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "Around 2.30pm on Saturday, we were made aware of a road crash involving a car and a small number of pedestrians in Ramsay Lane, Edinburgh.
"Officers received reports of minor injuries from pedestrians, but no medical attention was required.
"A 70-year-old woman has been arrested and charged in connection with a driving offence.
"A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal."
Organisers said "several thousand" people attended the pro-Palestine protest in Edinburgh.
The demonstration was one of many taking place across the UK and Ireland, including in London and Dublin, as part of a "global day of action" in dozens of countries across the world.
The Metropolitan Police said nine people were arrested as thousands of people marched through central London.
In pictures: Hundreds of thousands march to support Gaza in Washington, DC
Protest leaders demanded the US secure a permanent cease-fire in Gaza, stop unconditionally funding the Israeli government, and hold Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet ministers accountable.
SHABINA S. KHATRI AA
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Hundreds of thousands of people rallied in support of Palestine on Saturday in Washington, DC. The event was the latest in a series of protests held by pro-Palestinian supporters around the world, including a major rally in London over the weekend, amid Israel's ongoing bombardment of Gaza.
The March on Washington for Gaza was endorsed by hundreds of organisations, including American Muslims for Palestine (AMP). According to leaders, the rally is one of the largest pro-Palestinian protests held in the US since Israel's Oct. 7 war on Gaza began, with hundreds of thousands of attendees.
The rally began in Freedom Plaza and ended in front of the White House.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Several high-profile speakers addressed the Washington crowd, including third party presidential candidate Dr. Cornel West, Code Pink Director Medea Benjamin and Imam Omar Suleiman.
The Palestinian American scholar called out the "insanity of the moment" in a direct attack on President Joe Biden. Referring to the recent US bombings of Yemen's Houthis, Suleiman said:
"You are shameless. If you have failed to see our humanity, we have not failed to see your hypocrisy. You've made it clear that shipping lanes in Yemen are more important to you than our lives. And you've made it clear that you want our votes without hearing our voices.
"But we're going to make you hear our voice today on behalf of all of these families and all of the martyrs and all of those that are still standing strong. Joseph Robinette Biden Jr., we charge you with genocide."
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
More than 23,000 people have been killed since Israel began bombing Gaza in October, including at least 10,000 children and 100 journalists. Amid international calls for a ceasefire from more than 150 countries and dozens of aid groups, Biden has stood by Israel.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In a letter sent to Biden, protest leaders said they demanded Biden work to secure a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, stop unconditionally funding the Israeli government, and hold Benjamin Netanyahu and his cabinet ministers accountable.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Al Jazeera journalist Wael al Dahdouh, whose wife, daughter, two sons and a grandchild were killed by Israeli airstrikes, also spoke to the crowd via video link.
“The people are paying an exorbitant price, and are living a disastrous life,” he said. “People do not have sustenance, food or drink, a place to sleep, a bathroom and what is necessary for a life, not for a decent life, rather what is basically necessary to maintain life.”
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
Organisers said the march was particularly timely as the bombing of Gaza approaches 100 days on Monday.
That date coincides with the birthday of civil rights icon Martin Luther King, whose anti-war record and reputation for speaking against oppression inspired some Gaza supporters.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In addition to Palestinian flags, many protesters waved South African flags as they chanted in support of Pretoria for filing a case against Israel in front of the International Court of Justice in the Hague in the Netherlands.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
But the names most prominent on speakers' lips were Biden and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
TRT WORLD
Hundreds of thousands marched in support of Palestinians amid Israel’s bombardment of Gaza on January 13, 2024 in Washington, DC. Photo: William Castro/TRT World
In a statement alluding to the upcoming US elections in November, Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) Executive Director Nihad Awad said, "the Biden administration can no longer ignore the millions of Americans who are saying 'enough is enough.' It is time for the administration to listen to the people and demand an immediate ceasefire, end its support for the Israeli apartheid government, and hold Israeli officials to account for their crimes against humanity."
SOURCE: TRT WORLD Shabina Khatri is a Senior Editor at TRT World and is based in Washington, D.C. @shabinakhatri
Video: Palestinian supporters try to breach White House fencing, rioters attack officers, staffers relocated, no arrests PAUL SACCA THE BLAZE JANUARY 13, 2024
Thousands of Palestinian supporters descended on Washington, D.C. on Saturday in a demonstration to demand a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war. However, the protest escalated into a violent confrontation with law enforcement that damaged the fence protecting the White House.
Pro-Palestinian demonstrators participated in the March on Washington for Gaza – which called for "an immediate ceasefire, an end to U.S. military funding to Israel, and lifting the siege on Gaza."
Protesters waved Palestinian flags, and lashed out at President Joe Biden. The protesters held signs that read: "Genocide Joe has got to go" and "Biden has blood on his hands." The crowd also chanted: "F*** Joe Biden!" The demonstrators threw dozens of bloodied baby dolls over the fence protecting the White House.
However, the protest became violent as Palestine supporters hurled objects at law enforcement guarding the White House. The mob also damaged the security fence in front of the White House, reportedly forcing Secret Service members suited up in riot gear to try to quell the tense situation.
Video journalist Julio Rosas wrote on the X social media platform, "DC police and Secret Service had to rush to one part of the security fence to prevent a breach from the Palestinian crowd."
Field reporter Wid Lyman noted, "Protesters have breached the reinforced gate and riot police have confronted them - other protesters began scaling the fence."
Some of the protesters near the barrier were heard shouting: "Break it down!
White House staff and journalists were "relocated" during the escalation.
The U.S. Secret Service told Fox News, "During the demonstration near the White House complex Jan. 13, a portion of the anti-scale fencing that was erected for the event sustained temporary damage. The issues were promptly repaired on site by U.S. Secret Service support teams."
"As a precaution, some members of the media and staff in proximity to Pennsylvania Avenue were temporarily relocated while the issue was being addressed," the statement read. "The Secret Service made no arrests associated with the march and there was no property damage to the White House or adjacent buildings."
Metropolitan Police Department Chief Pamela Smith said in a statement, "The right to peacefully protest is one of the cornerstones of our democracy, and the Metropolitan Police Department has long supported those who visit our city to demonstrate safely. However, violence, destructive behavior, and criminal activities are not tolerated."
"While a majority of today’s demonstration remained peaceful, there were instances of illegal and destructive behavior in Lafayette Park, including items being thrown at our officers," Smith added. "We are supporting our partners at the United States Park Police as they investigate and hold those found responsible accountable for their actions."
Authorities anticipated possible unrest in the capital and erected extra fencing around the White House before Saturday.
President Biden was not at the White House at the time of the violence since he had already departed to Camp David on Saturday morning.
A Pro-Palestinian protester holds a placard depicting US President Joe Biden (L on poster) and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R on poster).
(Photo by DAVIDE LONGARI / AFP)(AFP)
Protesters demand cease-fire at March for Gaza rally in Washington DC
Thousands gather in US capital as Israel's Gaza offensive approaching 100 days
Rabia İclal Turan |14.01.2024 - SOURCE: TRT WORLD
Pro-Palestinian demonstration in Washington DC
WASHINGTON
Tens of thousands of people gathered Saturday in Washington DC for a march and rally to demand a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and an end to US military aid to Israel.
The rally, organized by the American Muslim Task Force on Palestine and ANSWER Coalition (Act Now to Stop War and Racism), started with remarks from Americans whose families have been killed in Gaza.
Alaa Hussein Ali, from the state of Michigan, said he lost 100 family members, including more than 60 children, in Gaza in what he called a “genocide.”
He said his brother went looking for water for a “dangerous trip” from the north to the south of Gaza, but never came back as he was killed by an Israeli sniper.
“He was shot several times in his chest. And he was found five days later in one of the hospitals in Gaza,” he said.
Adam, who is a Palestinian-American pharmacist from Gaza, said he lost more than 100 family members, including his father, in the Israeli offensive.
“Israel killed a man who loved life, loved peace, loved people, loved nature. And most of all, he loved his grandkids,” he said.
“The tale of each family member who was murdered is a testimony of ongoing genocide of my Palestinian people,” he said. “President Biden can easily put a stop to this genocide.”
“He can easily pick up the phone and call Israel to stop this madness,” he added.
The crowd chanted: “Free Palestine”, “Ceasefire Now”, and “End the occupation” while holding signs that read: “End the war on Gaza” and “Let Gaza Live.”
The rally continued with speeches from prominent activists, community leaders and celebrities before protesters marched through the streets of the US capital.
Democrat Applauded for (Not-So) 'Dumb Idea’ to End Houthi Attacks in Red Sea
"Stop the bombing of Gaza, then the attacks on commercial shipping will end," suggested Rep. Hank Johnson. "Why not try that approach?"
Pro-Palestinians in New York City join "Hands Off Yemen" rally outside of the United Nations mission of Yemen on East 51st Street in Midtown, Manhattan, on Friday, January 12, 2024. (Photo by Selcuk Acar/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Democratic Congressman Hank Johnson of Georgia is receiving praise for what he acknowledged some would call a "dumb idea," but to him—and many others—is the surest and most mutually beneficial way to stop the attacks on commercial vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi forces in Yemen while at the same time bringing an end to Israel's three-month attack on Gaza.
"I have what some may consider a dumb idea," Johnson tweeted Friday night, "but here it is: stop the bombing of Gaza, then the attacks on commercial shipping will end. Why not try that approach?"
Others chimed in to say it was a common-sense approach, not a stupid one. "That is not a dumb idea at all, Congressman!" declared Just Foreign Policy. "In fact, you are reflecting the view of the vast majority of the world."
Following U.S.-U.K. airstrikes on Houthis targets in Yemen early Friday morning—which members of Congress on both sides of the aisle denounced as illegal because they lacked congressional approval—critics warned it only risks escalating tensions in the Middle East further and puts the region on a path to wider war.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed Saturday it fired missiles on an additional radar site in Yemen, describing the strike as a "follow-on action."
The Houthis have been very clear that their attacks on cargo vessels and oil tankers in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and the straight that connects the two known as the Bab el-Mandeb, are a direct response to Israel's "genocidal" assault on the people of Gaza.
On Friday, the Houthis' political committee repeated that message as it affirmed "the commitment of the Yemeni Republic to what was declared at the beginning of its naval operation to end the blockade, stop the aggression, end the genocidal war on Gaza, and allow the entry of food, medicine, fuel, and all means of life."
The ethnic cleansing and mass murder in Gaza could end, the Houthi attacks on international shipping could stop, the wider, catastrophic war that day by day gets closer to breaking out in the Middle East could be prevented.
All it would take is doing the one thing that president Joe Biden has refused to do, in the face of all political logic, common sense, and public pressure: support a permanent cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, and use the enormous power and leverage Washington has over the tiny Middle Eastern country to make it stop its war on Gaza.
Kenneth Roth, former executive director of Human Rights Watch and now visiting professor at Princeton, suggested that nearly tens years of Saudi bombardment—on pause since last year due to a fragile peace agreement—had not been able to displace the Houthis in Yemen but that the airstrikes and further Western provocations could rekindle that war as well as the extreme humanitarian crisis that came along with it.
"Better to get a ceasefire in Gaza to stop that humanitarian crisis," said Roth on Saturday.
In a statement on Friday, Johnson connected the U.S.-led bombing of Yemen with the ongoing violence in Gaza.
"As the U.S. and a group of allies bomb the Houthis for attacking commercial shipping lanes, the right-wing government of Bibi Netanyahu continues the incessant bombing of Gaza," said Johnson. "So far 23,00 people have been killed, 70% of whom are women and children. Untoward numbers have been maimed, with some being forced to undergo amputations and pregnant women reciving C-sections without anesthesia."
Citing the 2.2 million people in Gaza "being systematically starved to death," Johnson said the situation was both dangerous and untenable.
"With there being no place in Gaza safe from Israel's relentless and ongoing bombing campaign, the rampage threatens to ensare the U.S. in a regional war," he said. "I join others in calling for an immediate ceasefire throughout the region."
Confirming what many experts have said, the Houthis appeared undeterred by the first wave of airstrikes. As the Maritime Executivereported Friday, fresh Houthi attacks on vessels took place not long after:
The Houthi rebels resumed launching missiles and mounting their attacks only hours after the forces of the U.S. and UK struck at their capabilities. While ships are being warned to use caution and avoid the Bab el-Mandeb in the immediate aftermath of last night’s strikes, reports are coming in of an attack in the Gulf of Aden.
The UK Maritime Trade Organizations issued an alert of an attack and approach approximately 90 nautical miles southeast of Aden, Yemen. No details were provided on what type of vessel might have been involved, but the UKMTO said the ship is proceeding on its voyage without reporting any injuries or damage.
In New York City on Friday, the U.N. Security Council convened to discuss the violence in the Red Sea. The office of the U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres used the occasion to call for de-escalation.
In a statement, a spokesperson for Guterres said the Secretary-General "reiterates that attacks against international shipping in the Red Sea area are not acceptable as they endanger the safety and security of global supply chains and have a negative impact on the economic and humanitarian situation worldwide."
Citing passage of a recent UNSC resolution officially condemning the Houthis attacks, the spokeperson also stressed that "all Member States defending their vessels from attacks to do so in accordance with international law, as stipulated in the Resolution."
The statement further called "upon all parties involved not to escalate even more the situation in the interest of peace and stability in the Red Sea and the wider region."
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ICJ's ruling in genocide case against Israel to be test for global community, says US lawyer
Diala Shamas says South Africa case is strong, and if International Court of Justice imposes interim measures, it will be test for US because of its unconditional support for Israel
Selman Aksünger |13.01.2024 -
THE HAGUE
If the International Court of Justice (ICJ) imposes the provisional measures sought by South Africa after producing compelling evidence meeting all of the elements of genocide against Israel, the international community, particularly Washington will be put to the test, a senior US lawyer told Anadolu in The Hague.
Diala Shamas described South Africa's case hearing at the ICJ as a "historic moment," and said it is worthwhile to travel to The Hague to witness the genocide case against Israel.
Shamas noted that South Africa began his arguments by reminding the court of the context that began in 1948, saying: "Referencing 75 years of apartheid, hearing that from a South African official was, of course, moving for Palestinians in the world."
She underlined how South Africa "made a very compelling case meeting all of the elements of genocide."
Commenting on Israeli verbal arguments before the ICJ, she said: "We saw nothing."
She added that Israel has repeatedly used the same arguments in court as it has in public and in interviews to justify everything it does in response to Hamas.
"I don't believe it was a very effective argument," the lawyer stressed, adding, "Genocide is never lawful. There is no self-defense exception for genocide."
All eyes should be on US
Shamas expressed hope that the court will do the "right thing and issue preliminary measures soon," stressing that everyday matters.
She believed that this would be a test for the international community as ultimately, other countries are allowing Israel to continue without accountability or withdrawing their support, she said.
"And I'm speaking chiefly about the United States that has been unconditionally supporting Israel," she added.
"With preliminary measures from the court of the world, I think that we'll all be looking to the US and Europe to a certain extent, but really the US and how they respond and hoping that they, you know, withdraw their military, political and diplomatic support to Israel," she added.
The lawyer stressed that "the big question" is what the US will do with the Security Council and whether it will veto efforts to implement the ICJ resolution.
"This ultimately, unfortunately, comes down to a political question," she said.
As the South African lawyer said yesterday, the very value, legitimacy, and credibility of international law are hanged in the balance in this case, she remarked.
Public hearings
On Thursday, South Africa presented hard evidence in the case it filed on Dec. 29, accusing Israel of genocide and violations of the UN Genocide Convention with its actions in the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7.
The South African side is requesting an injunction by the top UN court to halt Israel's military assault on Gaza, which has dragged on for more than three months.
The 84-page filing by South Africa accuses Israel of acts and omissions "genocidal in character, as they are committed with the requisite specific intent … to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a part of the broader Palestinian national, racial and ethnical group."
It says Israel's genocidal acts include killing Palestinians, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, mass expulsion from homes and displacement, imposing measures intended to prevent Palestinian births, and deprivation of access to adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation, and medical assistance.
It was followed by Israel's defense the next day, in which the country denied committing genocide and claimed to the ICJ that it was only protecting its people.
The ICJ concluded hearings by asking that both parties of interest remain at the court's disposal to provide any additional information as required.
It said: "The court will render its order on the request for the provisional measures submitted by South Africa as soon as possible."
ELON MUSK ATTACKS AIRLINES’ DEI EFFORTS, PROMPTING CRITICISM FROM CIVIL RIGHTS LEADERS
Musk claimed DEI efforts by United Airlines and Boeing will make air travel less safe.
Tesla CEO and X/Twitter’s “Chief Troll Officer,” Elon Musk, ruffled some feathers with his tweets about diversity, equity and inclusion, irritating civil rights groups, NBC News reports.
After criticizing DEI efforts by United Airlines and Boeing wanting to hire pilots and factory workers of color, he went on making false claims that diversifying workspaces will make air travel less safe.
He even blamed airlines for focusing more on DEI requirements than finding “qualified pilots.”
“The airline industry can’t find enough qualified pilots even without insane DEI requirements!”
His tweets caught the attention of the president and CEO of the National Urban League, Marc Morial, who called Musk’s statements “abhorrent and pathetic.” Morial highlighted how Tesla is facing numerous Equal Employment Opportunity Commission lawsuits after being accused of abusing Black employees with racial slurs and nooses found on work grounds.
“Musk’s company not only refused to investigate complaints or take any steps to end the abuse, it viciously retaliated against employees who complained or opposed the abuse,” Morial said. “The only thing anyone needs to hear from Musk about diversity in the workplace is an apology.”
Musk’s comments were sparked after an Alaska Airlines plane made an emergency landing on Jan. 5 when a panel blew off 16,000 feet in the air. “It will take an airplane crashing and killing hundreds of people for them to change this crazy policy of DIE,” Musk tweeted, misspelling the DEI acronym.
NAACP President Derrick Johnson took another route by criticizing Musk’s comments, saying they may promote hate speech, according to The Hill. “Reminder to @elonmusk: providing a home for the proliferation of hate speech and white supremacist conspiracy theories kills people. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion cultivates a more inclusive society,” Johnson tweeted.
“They are not the same. We are not the same.”
Another notable giving Musk the side eye is Dallas Mavericks owner, Mark Cuban. The two have been battling it out on social media, leading Cuban to chime in on the tech billionaires’ remarks. After Musk attacked the airlines DEI efforts, Cuban rebutted saying the efforts applies to training school and not the airline.
Elon’s only response was, “Mark Cuban is a racist.”
NHS Wales head Judith Paget has warned of significant disruption during the strike
