Here’s what to know today.
Israel faces a genocide case, and comments on displacing Gazans could complicate its defense
Israel is preparing to defend itself this week at the United Nations’ top court against accusations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a high-profile legal battle that comes at a decisive time during its military campaign after Hamas’ October terror attack.
The courtroom charge is led by South Africa, a staunch Israel critic, which has filed a case to be heard at the U.N.’s International Court of Justice. It accuses Israel of actions since Oct. 7 — killing, injuring and displacing Palestinian civilians, and denying them food, water and other essentials — in a way that’s “intended to bring about the destruction of a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial and ethnic group,” according to its legal filing.
The ICJ case has huge significance politically, legally and in the court of public opinion. Its rulings are binding under international law, and both Israel and South Africa are party to its decisions.
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Recent comments by some senior right-wing members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government calling for people in Gaza to be moved out of the enclave and effectively replaced by Israeli settlers may play a role in the proceedings.
These comments have not been reflected in official Israeli proposals that call for neither itself nor Hamas to run Gaza. But nevertheless international law experts say they do not help Israel’s argument in court.
