International media reflect on 'Israel' standing trial in The Hague

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
11 Jan 2024 15:16

The ongoing hearings at the International Court of Justice regarding the genocide accusations against "Israel" in Gaza have captured the attention of the global media.

Participants attend a march from Leiden to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, in solidarity with Palestinians of the Gaza Strip, in Leiden, on December 17, 2023 (AFP)

As the International Court of Justice conducts hearings on the accusations of genocide against "Israel" in Gaza, the global media is abuzz with coverage, generating speculation and discussions about the potential implications of this significant legal proceeding.

The hearings, according to The New York Times, mark the first instance where "Israel" has chosen to present a direct defense in such a forum, underscoring the gravity of the charges and the significant consequences on the entity's global reputation and standing on the international stage.

On its part, The Wall Street Journal debated that the ICJ lacks the capability to enforce its directives, and there is minimal anticipation that "Israel" will halt its military aggression based on The Hague's instructions.

Tomorrow is the first hearing in the #ICJ after South Africa filed a petition to the ICJ regarding "Israel's" crimes in #Gaza.

Several countries have backed #SouthAfrica in its decision to hold the Israeli occupation accountable before the ICJ, including #Venezuela, Namibia,… pic.twitter.com/KxKJljRLb0
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 10, 2024

However, analysts from both perspectives suggest that even a provisional order for a ceasefire would create a dilemma for "Israel's" allies, especially the US, WSJ added.

Raed Jarrar, the advocacy director at Democracy for the Arab World Now, a group endorsing the genocide accusations against "Israel", said, as quoted by WSJ, that if South Africa successfully secures an ICJ statement mandating an immediate ceasefire for all parties, it would be groundbreaking.

On its account, The Washington Post highlighted that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case increases global pressure on "Israel" to reduce or halt its aggression on Gaza.

Dive deeper

South Africa, which initiated the case, is urging the UN court to take immediate action to prevent further severe and irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention, which they stress is being violated with impunity.

The Genocide Convention describes the crime as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole, or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group."

The proceedings come amid the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, which entered its 97th day, resulting in a significant humanitarian toll. Since October 7, "Israel" has killed over 23,000 Palestinians in Gaza, as indicated by Gaza’s Health Ministry. Approximately 70% of the victims are women or children. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) estimated that the aggression on Gaza has internally displaced 1.9 million people, nearly 85% of the population. Moreover, tens of thousands of buildings have been reduced to rubble.

Pro-#Palestine protesters are gathering outside the International Court of Justice in #TheHague where the initial #ICJ hearing of #SouthAfrica's petition concerning "Israel's" ongoing aggression on #Gaza will take place.#GazaGenocide pic.twitter.com/fxIdVpfqio
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) January 11, 2024

It is worth noting that the legal teams for both sides will have equal time to present their cases, approximately three hours each. South Africa is presenting its case first on Thursday, followed by "Israel's" response on Friday. The judgment will be reserved for a later date, possibly within weeks.