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77 Pro-Palestine groups join forces in lawsuit against Biden

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Intercept
11 Jan 2024 00:22
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The lawsuit was filed by 77 groups, representing tens of thousands of lawyers and civil society leaders globally.

President Joe Biden speaks during a meeting with his Cabinet in the Cabinet Room of the White House in Washington, Monday, Oct. 2, 2023. (AP)

A lawsuit filed in November against President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin alleges their failure to prevent a genocide in Gaza, The Intercept said in a report on Wednesday.

The lawsuit was filed by 77 groups, representing tens of thousands of lawyers and civil society leaders globally. These groups include Palestinian human rights organizations, US citizens impacted by "Israel's" aggression, and residents of Gaza.

They say the Biden administration neglected to use its influence to prevent "Israel" from bombing and besieging Gaza, and say that the US supported "Israel" through UN resolution vetoes and military aid.

The death toll in Gaza at the time of filing was approximately 11,000, now it surpassed 23,000. The lawsuit emphasizes US vetoes against UN ceasefire resolutions and support for "Israel's" bombing. Actions like vetoing a cease-fire, approving military aid, and delaying a UN vote for Gaza humanitarian aid are cited as evidence of US backing for "Israel's" aggression.

Furthermore, the suit outlines genocidal expressions by Israeli officials, including Security Minister Yoav Gallant ordering a complete Gaza siege, stating, "There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a biblical verse to justify killing Palestinians, and instances of Israeli officials inciting genocide are documented.

On another note, South Africa filed a case against "Israel," accusing it of genocide in The Hague's International Court of Justice. The US lawsuit suggests International Court decisions could impact their case. The Biden administration has until Friday to respond, with an Oakland, California federal court scheduled to hear arguments on January 26.

Amid rising tensions and casualties, the lawsuit underscores Gaza's ongoing humanitarian crisis, claiming one in four people are starving, and 90% are dangerously food insecure. The legal actions aim to hold the US accountable for its role in sponsoring the Israeli-led genocide of the people of Gaza.

Africa ICJ case vs 'Israel': First hearing tomorrow

On day 97 of the aggression against Gaza, tomorrow, "Israel" will appear for the first time since its occupation of Palestine in 1948, before the International Court of Justice accused of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Al Mayadeen's envoy to The Hague, the headquarters of the ICJ, indicated that the session will be held tomorrow morning in the presence of South African lawyers with evidence of more than 200 statements by Israeli officials from both political and military levels.

As for Friday, the occupation is expected to respond to South Africa's review so that it can "defend itself". The occupation has prepared a large team of lawyers, including the American Jewish lawyer and author Alan Dershowitz, whose name was recently exposed in the Epstein case.

The decision, which may take several days to be issued, may include stopping the war on Gaza, stopping the displacement of Palestinians and destruction, bringing in food and medical aid immediately, restoring electricity, and lifting the siege on the Strip.

Tomorrow's session before the ICJ is essential for it may be an important introduction to what "Israel" faces before the International Criminal Court.

This means that the 300 lawyers who filed a genocide lawsuit against “Israel” more than a month ago before the International Criminal Court will rely on the decision that will be taken by the International Court of Justice, to name the people there and prosecute those responsible for the genocide.