Image by The Japan New
Germany – Whether viewed as a coincidence or a political manoeuvre, following the issuance of the verdict, Israel accused UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) staff members of being involved in the October 7 attacks.
Almost immediately, this accusation prompted nearly a dozen countries to withdraw financial support from the aid agency despite the court’s directive for Israel to grant them and other aid agencies immediate access to Gaza.
The decision by the US and several European countries, including Australia and Japan, to suspend financial assistance collectively perpetuates the punishment and suffering of Palestinians in Gaza.
In a post on X, Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, expressed concern that their humanitarian operation, crucial for the two million people in Gaza dependent on it, is now on the verge of collapse. Lazzarini conveyed shock over the decision, particularly considering it was based on the alleged actions of a few individuals, especially as the ongoing threat of famine looms.
“Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment. This stains all of us.”
The decisions made by unwavering supporters and nations aligned with Israel have encountered significant criticism, prompting many to implore them to reassess and overturn their positions, particularly in light of the ongoing deterioration of the humanitarian situation in the enclave.
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Decisive and Significant Victory for South Africa at the ICJ
Despite the statements made by Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and other European officials in response to the Hague’s recent ruling on Israel’s actions in Gaza, journalist Martin Lejeune, along with many others, sees the International Court of Justice’s decision as a significant and unequivocal win for South Africa.
The ICJ directed Israel to permit crucial humanitarian aid into Gaza and mandated that it employ all available means to prevent genocidal acts while also preserving evidence of its activities in Gaza.
However, the international and pro-Palestinian community’s satisfaction was short-lived, as it signalled a lack of ceasefire, allowing Israel to persist in its actions as a genocidal killing machine. Consequently, with a blatant disregard for international processes and an act of arrogance, hundreds of Palestinians in Gaza were killed by Israeli occupation forces.
Despite the tragic and heart-wrenching events, Israel has a history of not complying with such directives. Therefore, both current and past actions lead many, including Lejeune, to doubt Israel’s adherence to the rulings of the ICJ.
“The provisional measures are binding by international law and these measures have to be done by immediate effect. There’s no time frame, you have to follow these measures … But we saw that after January 26, they (Israel) increased their attacks on Gaza.”
