'Israel' seeks ethnic cleansing under US cover, Russia says

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
10 Jan 2024 23:47
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Russia says the Israeli occupation wants to ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people under cover from the United States.

Palestinians look at the destruction after an Israeli strike in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, January 3, 2024 (AP)

The Russian representative to the United Nations, Vassily Nebenzia, attacked Western members of the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday, accusing them of "wasting the council's time in sessions far from what is happening in the Middle East, especially Gaza."

Nebenzia, speaking in an open debate, stated that "Israel" was seeking the "ethnically cleanse the Palestinian people in Gaza with American cover from top to bottom."

The Israeli occupation has been facing accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing ever since the start of its brutal bombing campaigns and subsequent invasion of Gaza, with numerous international figures condemning its actions as such.

More than 500 statements from various Israeli officials, military personnel, and lawmakers carrying clear genocidal intentions have been compiled by right groups.

In a strongly worded speech delivered in the British Parliament on Monday, Jeremy Corbyn, former leader of the Labour Party, called upon the UK government to back South Africa's genocide case against the Israeli occupation.

Corbyn emphasized the urgent need for accountability as he drew attention to the ongoing suffering of Palestinians who have endured savage attacks by "Israel" since October 7.

"People are dying of starvation and thirst in the Gaza Strip. Cannot the government understand the anger around the world when they watch this happening in real-time?" Corbyn questioned passionately.

Additionally, Corbyn highlighted the devastating consequences, particularly the spiking death toll of children due to a severe lack of medical care and food security.

'Israel' faces uphill battle on genocide charges at ICJ: Politico

Last week, a report by Politico detailed the challenges that the Israeli regime may face on the genocide charges that were filed against it by South Africa at the Hague.

This plea followed a series of contentious public remarks by hard-liners hinting at the annexation of Gaza and the expulsion of Palestinians.

These comments, including Agriculture Minister Avi Dichter's characterization of the war as "Gaza’s Nakba," have complicated "Israel's" argument before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The ill-judged remarks have had serious repercussions on "Israel's" standing with Western allies, which is already uneasy about the war's course and civilian casualties as it touches their self-proclaimed image.

These statements made it challenging to deflect calls from Western nations to alleviate the plight of Gaza's civilians, potentially straining support for the aggression on Gaza.

South Africa seeks an urgent interim order from the ICJ, declaring "Israel" in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention.

While the full ICJ proceedings will likely extend beyond the Gaza war, Israeli officials fear the court might issue a temporary injunction akin to the one against Russia, prompting efforts to avoid such an outcome.

Forced expulsions

While killing people may be one of the most renowned - or infamous - ways to ethnically cleanse a population, the Israeli occupation is also thinking about resorting to forced expulsion.

A disturbing report published by the Times of Israel earlier in the day reported that Israeli officials have held talks with several countries regarding the potential absorption of displaced Palestinians.

This suggests that residents of the embattled Strip may not be granted the right of return once the Israeli aggression comes to an end.

According to the report, the coalition led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is currently engaged in talks with Congo and several other countries for the potential resettlement of thousands of displaced Palestinians from Gaza.

"Congo will be willing to take in migrants, and we’re in talks with others," a senior source in the security cabinet said.

During a Likud meeting last Monday, Netanyahu stated that he is actively involved in facilitating the expulsion of Palestinians to other countries.

"Our problem is [finding] countries that are willing to absorb Gazans, and we are working on it," he said in response to a question posed by Likud MK Danny Danon, who said that "the world is already discussing the possibilities of voluntary immigration," a highly controversial idea considering the violation of Palestinians' human rights.

The plans for forced displacement have received support from the extremist Religious Zionism and Otzma Yehudit parties, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Internal Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, respectively.