To accuse any country of genocide is a serious matter. But to accuse Israel, a country largely founded on the guilt of Hitler's attempted genocide of Jews when more than 6 million were murdered, is not only extremely serious, it's also unprecedented and not without an element of irony.
On Thursday, Israel faced down accusations under the United Nations' Genocide Convention, drawn up after WWII following the atrocities committed against the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
Two weeks ago, South Africa filed the case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing it of crimes of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Pretoria claimed that Israel's conduct, after three months of relentless bombardment which has resulted in widespread death and destruction in the besieged enclave, violates the UN's Geneva Convention. In calling for an expedited hearing, South Africa requested the court to indicate provisional measures to "protect against further, severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people" under the convention.
A furious Israel immediately rejected the case as "baseless", insisting that its forces are operating in Gaza according to International Law. Israel's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lior Haiat writing on X said "Israel rejects with disgust the blood libel spread by South Africa and its application to the ICJ". "Blood libel", a thinly veiled accusation of anti-Semitism, is a reference to ancient conspiracies against Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also insisted that Israel had displayed "unparalleled morality" in the Gaza war as he, too, dismissed South Africa's charge.
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of The Sunday Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the January 14, 2024 edition of The Sunday Guardian.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
CHINESE MEDIA REVOKES ENTRIES FROM SOUTH ASIAN JOURNALISM AWARDS
This move is being initiated by the Chinese media organisation due to rising domestic pressure on those seen to be cooperating with foreign entities.
Tata Power Renewable Energy inks pact with SJVN for 460 MW clean energy
Tata Power Renewable Energy Ltd (TPREL) on Saturday said it has signed an agreement with state-owned SJVN Ltd to set up a 460 MW Firm and Dispatchable Renewable Energy (FDRE) project.
CJI DY CHANDRACHUD CALLS FOR GLOBAL COLLABORATION
Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud emphasized on Saturday the necessity for juvenile justice systems to adapt by improving international cooperation and sharing best practices to combat the escalating transnational digital crimes involving minors, amidst the rapid evolution of technology.
COURT ORDERS NO COERCIVE ACTION AGAINST BIHAR UNIVERSITIES
The Patna High Court has directed the Bihar education department not to take coercive action against state universities and their officials until further notice.
Court adjourns Afzal Ansari's plea challenging conviction
The Allahabad High Court has adjourned the hearing of a criminal appeal filed by Ghazipur MP Afzal Ansari challenging his conviction and four-year sentence in a gangsters Act case by a trial court of Ghazipur until May 13.
Ferrato Launches e-Motorcycle Disruptor' at Rs 159,999
Ferrato, the premium brand of Okaya EV, has officially launched its highly-anticipated electr ic motorcycle Disruptor at INR 1,59,999, combining unparalleled performance and futuristic design packed with cutting-edge technology, setting a new standard in the EV bike segment and redefining the sports bike experience at a low cost of 25 paise per km.
USHA MARTIN: STRATEGIC TRANSFORMATION DRIVES STRONG PERFORMANCE
Usha Martin was established in 1960 and is today a leading global manufacturer and market leader in the wire rope industry with its multi-unit and multi-product portfolio.
INDIA TO EXPEDITE CECA WITH AUSTRALIA
Commerce Secretary, co-chaired the first Joint Committee Meeting along with his Australian counterpart in Canberra and reviewed the progress of India-Australia CECA.
India adds five tons of gold in its reserves in March
The Reserve Bank of India added 5 tons of Gold to its reserves during March. The gold reserves of the central banks worldwide reported a net increase in their gold reserves.
DONALD TRUMP TESTS THE AMERICAN LEGAL SYSTEM TO THE LIMIT
Trump, facing multiple legal battles, receives special treatment while openly undermining the rule of law, raising concerns about the justice system’s integrity.
