As Israeli forces intensify their military campaign in Gaza, a significant decision looms at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. On Friday, the ICJ judges are set to rule on whether to order Israel to suspend its military operations in Gaza while they hear a case accusing Israel of state-led genocide. Meanwhile, Israeli forces are engaged in fierce battles to seize the main southern city of Khan Younis, causing significant civilian displacement.
Key Developments:
1. Ongoing Offensive in Khan Younis:
Israeli forces are conducting intensive battles in Khan Younis, involving airstrikes and ground operations against Hamas fighters and infrastructure. This offensive is one of the largest in the four-month-long campaign, taking place among hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians.
2. Humanitarian Crisis and Displacement:
The death toll from the campaign has risen to 26,083, with 183 reported killed in the past 24 hours. Many civilians are feared trapped under flattened buildings. The conflict, initiated after an attack by Hamas on October 7, has displaced the majority of Gaza’s 2.3 million people.
3. ICJ’s Ceasefire Ruling:
South Africa has requested an emergency order from the ICJ to compel Israel to cease fire while genocide allegations are heard. The court will issue its ruling on the ceasefire order at 1 p.m. (1200 GMT) on Friday. The genocide case itself may take years for a verdict.
4. Israel’s Response:
Israel has dismissed South Africa’s allegations as false and distorted, expressing confidence that the ICJ will reject these charges. The Israeli military emphasizes its efforts to avoid civilian casualties.
5. Hamas’ Response:
Hamas has indicated its willingness to abide by an ICJ ceasefire order if Israel reciprocates.
International Perspectives:
The United States and other Western countries consider the genocide allegations unfounded, supporting Israel’s defense actions.
The ICJ’s rulings are final, but enforcing them poses a challenge.
Humanitarian Crisis and Global Reaction:
Thousands of Gazans seek refuge in Rafah, exacerbating the search for food and shelter.
Aid agencies warn of impending starvation, particularly among vulnerable children, and the risk of making Gaza “completely uninhabitable.”
Conclusion:
As the world awaits the ICJ’s ruling on the ceasefire, the conflict in Gaza continues to exact a devastating toll on civilians. The decision holds significant implications for accountability and the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
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Credit: Nidal al-Mughrabi and Fadi Shana and Bassam Masoud , Stephanie van den Berg