Archiv: International Court of Justice (ICJ) / UN Court / World Court / Weltgerichtshof / established 1945


09.09.2024 - 15:41 [ International Court of Justice ]

LEGAL CONSEQUENCES ARISING FROM THE POLICIES AND PRACTICES OF ISRAEL IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY, INCLUDING EAST JERUSALEM

(July 19, 2024)

278. Taking note of the resolutions of the Security Council and General Assembly, the Court is of the view that Member States are under an obligation not to recognize any changes in the physical character or demographic composition, institutional structure or status of the territory occupied by Israel on 5 June 1967, including East Jerusalem, except as agreed by the parties through negotiations and to distinguish in their dealings with Israel between the territory of the State of Israel and the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967. The Court considers that the duty of distinguishing dealings with Israel between its own territory and the Occupied Palestinian Territory encompasses, inter alia, the obligation to abstain from treaty relations with Israel in all cases in which it purports to act on behalf of the Occupied Palestinian Territory or a part thereof on matters concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or a part of its territory; to abstain from entering into economic or trade dealings with Israel concerning the Occupied Palestinian Territory or parts thereof which may entrench its unlawful presence in the territory; to abstain, in the establishment and maintenance of diplomatic missions in Israel, from any recognition of its illegal presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory; and to take steps to prevent trade or investment relations that assist in the maintenance of the illegal situation created by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (see Legal Consequences for States of the Continued Presence of South Africa in Namibia (South West Africa) notwithstanding Security Council Resolution 276 (1970), Advisory Opinion, I.C.J. Reports 1971, pp. 55-56, paras. 122, 125-127).

(…)

281. Finally, the Court is of the view that the precise modalities to bring to an end Israel’s
unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a matter to be dealt with by the General Assembly, which requested this opinion, as well as the Security Council. Therefore, it is for the General Assembly and the Security Council to consider what further action is required to put an end to the illegal presence of Israel, taking into account the present Advisory Opinion.

01.05.2024 - 07:30 [ NZZ.ch ]

Internationaler Gerichtshof weist Eilanträge Nicaraguas gegen Deutschland wegen Vorwurfs der Beihilfe zum Genozid im Gazastreifen zurück

(30.04.2024)

Nicaragua hatte als vorläufige Massnahmen den sofortigen Stopp deutscher Rüstungslieferungen an Israel gefordert. Das zentralamerikanische Land begründete dies damit, dass Deutschland durch Waffenlieferungen an Israel einen Genozid ermögliche und damit gegen internationales Recht verstosse. Nicaragua hatte zudem eine Wiederaufnahme von Zahlungen eingefrorener Beiträge für das Palästinenserhilfswerk UNRWA im Gazastreifen gefordert.

29.04.2024 - 06:26 [ Middle East Monitor ]

World Court to rule Tuesday on case accusing Germany of facilitating Gaza genocide

“On Tuesday, 30 April 2024, the International Court of Justice will deliver its Order on the Request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Nicaragua in the case concerning Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory,” the Court said in a statement.

28.04.2024 - 08:30 [ International Court of Justice (ICJ) / Internationaler Gerichtshof ]

Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Nicaragua v. Germany) – Request for the indication of provisional measures – The Court to deliver its Order on Tuesday 30 April 2024 at 3 p.m

THE HAGUE, 26 April 2024. On Tuesday 30 April 2024, the International Court of Justice will deliver its Order on the Request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Nicaragua in the case concerning Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Nicaragua v. Germany). A public sitting will take place at 3 p.m. at the Peace Palace in The Hague, during which Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the Court, will read the Court’s Order.

09.04.2024 - 16:42 [ New York Times ]

A Way to Rejoin The World Court

(19.07.1986)

The imprudence of this acceptance was demonstrated by the Nicaraguan case, in which the Court ruled that the United States is using force illegally in Central America. That case should not – and need not – have gone to the Court. To make sure the United States retains sovereign discretion to defend itself and its allies, any new American acceptance of the Court‘s compulsory jurisdiction should emulate the good sense of others like India and Kenya by excluding disputes involving armed conflict. America -acting alone or with its allies – still needs the freedom to protect freedom. The finger on the trigger cannot be that of the global judiciary.

09.04.2024 - 10:35 [ Wikipedia ]

Nicaragua v. United States

The Republic of Nicaragua v. The United States of America (1986)[2] was a case where the International Court of Justice (ICJ) held that the U.S. had violated international law by supporting the Contras in their rebellion against the Sandinistas and by mining Nicaragua‘s harbors. The case was decided in favor of Nicaragua and against the United States with the awarding of reparations to Nicaragua.

09.04.2024 - 10:24 [ History News Network - hnn.us ]

Isn‘t It Time We Rejoin the World Court? (We Left in 1986)

(no date / presumably 2004)

The protest at U.S. exemption of individuals from criminal jurisdiction has been widely reported. The continued refusal of the United States to subject its own actions, especially the use of force against others, to judgment by the ICJ has been treated as a non-event.

The president who turned America‘s back on judgment under international law was Ronald Reagan. His action resulted from fear (especially after prominent condemnation by Senators Barry Goldwater and Daniel Patrick Moynihan) of an adverse Court ruling in Nicaragua‘s case against the U.S.

09.04.2024 - 09:36 [ ZDF ]

Anhörung in Den Haag: Deutschland vor dem „Welt-Gericht“

Tatsächlich sitzt Deutschland allein auf der Anklagebank. Das ist möglich, weil es – so wie Nicaragua – den Gerichtshof anerkennt – und die UN-Konvention zur Verhütung von Völkermord. Auch die USA hatten ihre Zahlungen an UNRWA gestoppt, erkennen den IGH aber nicht an.
Nicaragua hatte noch weitere Länder im Visier: Kanada und Großbritannien haben eine Frist von einem halben Jahr, um zu reagieren. Und die Niederlande traten mit Nicaragua in einen Dialog – den Nicaragua mit Deutschland nicht suchte.

09.04.2024 - 09:34 [ UN Web TV ]

THE HAGUE – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds public hearings in the case Nicaragua v. Germany – Oral argument of Germany

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, holds public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Nicaragua in the case Nicaragua v. Germany on 8 and 9 April 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the Court.

08.04.2024 - 18:04 [ International Court of Justice / Internationaler Gerichtshof ]

Public sitting held on Monday 8 April 2024, at 10 a.m., at the Peace Palace, President Salam presiding, in the case concerning Alleged Breaches of Certain International Obligations in respect of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (Nicaragua v. Germany)

The Government of the Republic of Nicaragua is represented by:

HE Mr Carlos José Argüello Gómez, Ambassador of the Republic of Nicaragua to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and Permanent Representative of the Republic of Nicaragua to the international organizations based in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, member of the International Law Commission,

as Agent and Counsel;

Mr Alain Pellet, Emeritus Professor of the University Paris Nanterre, former Chairperson of the International Law Commission, member and former President of the Institut de droit international,

Mr Daniel Müller, Founding Partner of FAR Avocats, member of the Paris Bar,

as Counsel and Advocates;

Ms Claudia Loza Obregon, Legal Adviser, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Nicaragua,
Mr Ysam Soualhi, PhD candidate, Faculty of Law, University of Angers,

as Assistant Counsel;

Ms Sherly Noguera de Argüello, Consul General of the Republic of Nicaragua,

as Administrator;

Ms Kassandra Gómez Pineda, First Secretary, Permanent Representation of the Republic of
Nicaragua to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons,

Mr Pedro Hernández Balladarez, Financial Administrative Officer, Permanent Representation of the Republic of Nicaragua to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons,

HE Mr Ammar Hijazi, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for Multilateral Affairs of the State of Palestine,

HE Mr Omar Awadallah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates for the United Nations and Specialized Agencies of the State of Palestine,

Mr Federico Argüello Noguera,

as Members of the Delegation.

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany is represented by:

Ms Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, Legal Adviser and Director-General for Legal Affairs, Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany,

as Agent;

Ms Wiebke Rückert, Director for Public International Law, Federal Foreign Office of the Federal Republic of Germany,

08.04.2024 - 17:31 [ @onrust@infosec.exchange / Mastodon ]

„[A]ll the States parties to the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War of 12 August 1949 are under an obligation, while respecting the United Nations Charter and international law, to ensure compliance by lsrael with international humanitarian law as embodied in that Convention.“ Nicaragua cites an ICJ advisory opinion from 2004.

Case: https://www.icj-cij.org/case/131
Document quoted: https://www.icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/131/131-20040709-ADV-01-00-EN.pdf (pdf)

08.04.2024 - 08:00 [ UN Web TV ]

THE HAGUE – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) holds public hearings in the case Nicaragua v. Germany – oral argument of Nicaragua

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, holds public hearings on the request for the indication of provisional measures submitted by Nicaragua in the case Nicaragua v. Germany on 8 and 9 April 2024, at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the seat of the Court. Session held under the presidency of Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the Court.

08.04.2024 - 00:15 [ International Court of Justice / Internationaler Gerichtshof ]

Proceedings instituted by Nicaragua against Germany on 1 March 2024 – Request for the indication of provisional measures – Public hearings to be held on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April 2024

(15.03.2024)

It is recalled that Nicaragua filed an Application instituting proceedings against Germany concerning alleged violations by Germany of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, “intransgressible principles of international humanitarian law” and other norms of general international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza Strip (see press release 2024/19).
The hearings will be devoted to the request for the indication of provisional measures
contained in Nicaragua’s Application. Nicaragua asks the Court to indicate provisional measures as a matter of extreme urgency, pending the Court’s determination on the merits of the case, with respect to Germany’s “participation in the ongoing plausible genocide and serious breaches of international humanitarian law and other peremptory norms of general international law occurring in the Gaza Strip”.

06.04.2024 - 21:20 [ International Court of Justice ]

Proceedings instituted by Nicaragua against Germany on 1 March 2024 – Request for the indication of provisional measures – Public hearings to be held on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April 2024

(01.03.2024)

It is recalled that Nicaragua filed an Application instituting proceedings against Germany concerning alleged violations by Germany of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, “intransgressible principles of international humanitarian law” and other norms of general international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza Strip (see press release 2024/19).

The hearings will be devoted to the request for the indication of provisional measures contained in Nicaragua’s Application. Nicaragua asks the Court to indicate provisional measures as a matter of extreme urgency, pending the Court’s determination on the merits of the case, with respect to Germany’s “participation in the ongoing plausible genocide and serious breaches of international humanitarian law and other peremptory norms of general international law occurring in the Gaza Strip”.

30.03.2024 - 19:11 [ Atlantic Council ]

Could the US and other states be implicated in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel?

(16.02.2024)

In the case of South Africa v. Israel, two violations in particular have been raised: complicity in genocide and failure to prevent genocide. For complicity, the ICJ has explained that it includes “the provision of means to enable or facilitate the commission of the crime,” such as furnishing “aid or assistance.” The state needs at least to have acted knowing that the perpetrator of the genocide had a special intent, or dolus specialis, “to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, as such.” The ICJ left open the possibility that the complicit state would also need to share this special intent. However, courts have not required complicit parties to share the special intent in international criminal cases, suggesting that the ICJ might not require it.

30.03.2024 - 19:08 [ Telesur ]

South Africa to Sue US and UK as Complicit in Gaza Genocide

(January 15, 2024)

The United States must now be held accountable for the crimes it committed,‘ says Van Rensburg, who is leading the 47-lawyers team.

“We intend to bring legal proceedings against the U.S. Government based on overwhelming evidence that the U.S. Government has, and is, aiding, abetting and supporting, encouraging or providing material assistance and means to Israel and the Israeli Defense Forces. This conduct by the U.S. Government has enabled and continues to enable Israel to engage in international crimes against the Palestinian people,” the South African lawyers said in a letter sent to US President Joe Biden on January 2.

30.03.2024 - 08:31 [ Electronic Intifada ]

Germany next up to face Gaza genocide charges in The Hague

(25.03.2024)

On April 8 and 9, the International Court of Justice will once again hold hearings on the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

This time the judges in The Hague will be listening to arguments in the case brought by Nicaragua against Germany.

The Central American nation accuses Berlin of violating its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention and other “intransgressible principles of international humanitarian law,” including the Fourth Geneva Convention.

28.03.2024 - 19:26 [ Tagesschau.de ]

Internationaler Gerichtshof: Israel muss Hunger-Hilfe für Gaza gewähren

Damit entspricht der IGH einem Antrag Südafrikas im laufenden Völkermord-Verfahren gegen Israel. Bereits Ende Januar hatte das Gericht Sofortmaßnahmen angeordnet und Israel aufgetragen, alles zu tun, um einen Völkermord im Gazastreifen zu verhindern. Angesichts der sich verschlimmernden Lage in dem Kriegsgebiet und einer drohenden Hungersnot hatte Südafrika zusätzliche Maßnahmen verlangt. Dem entsprach das Gericht. Entscheidungen des UN-Gerichtshofes sind bindend.

28.03.2024 - 18:45 [ International Court of Justice ]

APPLICATION OF THE CONVENTION ON THE PREVENTION AND PUNISHMENT OF THE CRIME OF GENOCIDE IN THE GAZA STRIP (SOUTH AFRICA v. ISRAEL) 28 MARCH 2024 ORDER

51. For these reasons,

THE COURT ,

(1) By fourteen votes to two,

Reaffirms the provisional measures indicated in its Order of 26 January 2024;

IN FAVOUR : President Salam; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant, Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Aurescu, Tladi;

AGAINST : Vice-President Sebutinde; Judge ad hoc Barak;

(2) Indicates the following provisional measures:

The State of Israel shall, in conformity with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza, in particular the spread of famine and starvation:

(a) Unanimously,

Take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza, including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary;

(b) By fifteen votes to one,

Ensure with immediate effect that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, including by preventing, through any action, the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance;

IN FAVOUR : President Salam; Vice-President Sebutinde; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant, Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Aurescu, Tladi;

AGAINST : Judge ad hoc Barak;

(3) By fifteen votes to one,

Decides that the State of Israel shall submit a report to the Court on all measures taken to give effect to this Order, within one month as from the date of this Order.

IN FAVOUR : President Salam; Vice-President Sebutinde; Judges Tomka, Abraham, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant, Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Aurescu, Tladi;

AGAINST : Judge ad hoc Barak.

28.03.2024 - 18:04 [ Yahoo ]

World court orders Israel to take action to address Gaza famine

„The court observes that Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine (…) but that famine is setting in,“ the judges said in their order.

The new measures were requested by South Africa as part of its ongoing case that accuses Israel of state-led genocide in Gaza.

In January the ICJ, also known as the World Court, ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza.

26.03.2024 - 21:15 [ Anadolu Agency ]

Top UN court likely to issue tough decision against Israel for ongoing attacks on Gaza

The world court will rule on the requested additional measures in the coming days, which may include criticism of Israel as well as requests for additional monitoring reports, according to the KAN broadcaster report.

However, observers in Israel believe that no additional orders, such as a cessation of the war on Gaza, will be issued, but that the court will take a critical tone toward Israel, which is unusual, said the broadcaster.

Earlier on Monday, the UN Security Council passed a resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in Gaza …

26.03.2024 - 20:42 [ Anadolu Agency ]

Gaza death toll exceeds 32,400 amid Israeli offensive

At least 74,787 other Palestinians injured in Israeli attacks since last October, Health Ministry says

24.03.2024 - 21:20 [ SearXNG ]

The World must ask: where is its Court? #ICJ #genocide #Palestine #totalitarism #arbitrariness #accountability

24.03.2024 - 21:00 [ International Court of Justice ]

Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) – The Republic of South Africa submits an urgent request for the indication of additional provisional measures and the modification of the Court’s prior provisional measures Order and decision

THE HAGUE, 6 March 2024. South Africa today filed an urgent request with the Court for the indication of additional provisional measures and the modification of the Court’s Order of 26 January 2024 and decision of 16 February 2024 in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).

In its new request, South Africa states that it is “compelled to return to the Court in light of the new facts and changes in the situation in Gaza — particularly the situation of widespread starvation — brought about by the continuing egregious breaches of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide . . . by the State of Israel . . . and its ongoing manifest violations of the provisional measures indicated by this Court on 26 January 2024”. It requests the Court to indicate further provisional measures and/or to modify the provisional measures indicated it its Order of 26 January 2024, pursuant to Article 41 of the Statute of the Court and Article 75, paragraphs 1 and 3, and Article 76, paragraph 1, of the Rules of Court, respectively, “in order urgently to ensure the safety and security of 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, including over a million children”. It urges the Court to do so without holding a hearing, in light of the “extreme urgency of the situation”.

24.03.2024 - 20:24 [ Human Rights Watch ]

Israel Not Complying with World Court Order in Genocide Case

(February 26, 2024)

“The Israeli government is starving Gaza’s 2.3 million Palestinians, putting them in even more peril than before the World Court’s binding order,” said Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine director at Human Rights Watch. “The Israeli government has simply ignored the court’s ruling, and in some ways even intensified its repression, including further blocking lifesaving aid.”

Other countries should use all forms of leverage, including sanctions and embargoes, to press the Israeli government to comply with the court’s binding orders in the genocide case, Human Rights Watch said.

24.03.2024 - 20:06 [ Associated Press ]

Top UN court rejects South African request for urgent measures to safeguard Rafah

(February 16, 2024)

An estimated 1.4 million Palestinians, more than half of Gaza’s population, has crammed into the city, most of them displaced people who fled fighting elsewhere in Gaza.

Israel has said it will evacuate the civilians before attacking, though international aid officials have said there is nowhere to go due to the vast devastation left behind by the offensive.

24.03.2024 - 19:55 [ Reuters ]

World Court stops short of Gaza ceasefire order for Israel

(January 27, 2024)

It asked the court to grant emergency measures to halt the fighting, which Palestinian officials say has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians and displaced the majority of the population in a more than three-month campaign of intensive bombardment.

24.03.2024 - 19:35 [ Palestine News Nework ]

Death Toll in Gaza Soars to 32,226 as Israeli Aggression Continues

Israeli occupation forces “IOF” perpetrated eight massacres against families in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours, resulting in the documented killing of at least 84 Palestinians and the injury of 106 others, according to medical sources.

Local health authorities confirmed that the Palestinian death toll from the Israeli onslaught since October 7 has risen to 32,226 reported fatalities, with an additional 74,518 individuals sustaining injuries. The majority of the victims are women and children.

18.03.2024 - 18:35 [ International Court of Justice ]

OBSERVATIONS OF THE STATE OF ISRAEL ON THE REQUEST FILED BY THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA ON 6 MARCH 2024 FOR THE INDICATION OF ADDITIONAL PROVISIONAL MEASURES AND/OR THE MODIFICATION OF MEASURES PREVIOUSLY INDICATED

10. Taken together, South Africa’s shrill and repeated submissions also suffer from a more fundamental flaw. They are simply unable to explain how significant measures undertaken continuously by Israel throughout the present hostilities—including various humanitarian initiatives and the ongoing coordination of access to humanitarian supplies, extensive efforts to mitigate civilian harm, a willingness to compromise operational advantage for the benefit of Palestinian civilians (for instance, by advance warning and close quarters combat), humanitarian pauses in fighting, specific directives by the War Cabinet and Israeli Defence Forces addressing the humanitarian situation, and much more—can possibly be reconciled with a genocidal intent to destroy a group in whole or in part. Put differently, which State that is engaged in genocide, or is indifferent to the commission of acts within the scope of Article II of the Convention, works to coordinate humanitarian convoys and airdrops, or facilitates constantly the provision of medical supplies to hospitals, the establishment of field hospitals, and the repair of critical infrastructure damaged in the course of hostilities?

18.03.2024 - 18:25 [ Times of India ]

Israel asks World Court not to order new measures over Gaza hunger

THE HAGUE: Israel has asked the (ICJ) not to issue emergency orders for it to step up humanitarian aid to Gaza to address a looming famine, dismissing South Africa‘s request to do so as „morally repugnant“.
In a legal filing to the United Nations‘ top court, made public on Monday, Israel said it „has real concern for the humanitarian situation and innocent lives, as demonstrated by the actions it has and is taking“ in Gaza during the war.

16.03.2024 - 22:00 [ International Court of Justice ]

Proceedings instituted by Nicaragua against Germany on 1 March 2024 – Request for the indication of provisional measures – Public hearings to be held on Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 April 2024

It is recalled that Nicaragua filed an Application instituting proceedings against Germany concerning alleged violations by Germany of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, “intransgressible principles of international humanitarian law” and other norms of general international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza Strip (see press release 2024/19).

The hearings will be devoted to the request for the indication of provisional measures contained in Nicaragua’s Application. Nicaragua asks the Court to indicate provisional measures as a matter of extreme urgency, pending the Court’s determination on the merits of the case, with respect to Germany’s “participation in the ongoing plausible genocide and serious breaches of international
humanitarian law and other peremptory norms of general international law occurring in the Gaza
Strip”.

16.03.2024 - 21:55 [ Legal Tribune Online ]

Beihilfe zum Völkermord? IGH ver­han­delt Klage gegen Deut­sch­land im April

Am 8. und 9. April wird der Internationale Gerichtshof (IGH) im Verfahren gegen Deutschland verhandeln. Nicaragua wirft der Bundesrepublik Beihilfe zum Völkermord im Gazastreifen vor, indem sie Israel politisch, finanziell und militärisch unterstützt sowie die Mittel für das UN-Palästinenserhilfswerk gestrichen habe.

Im Gazastreifen bestehe seit Oktober 2023 „die anerkannte Gefahr eines Völkermordes am palästinensischen Volk“. Deutschland habe durch seine Unterstützung für Israel gegen seine Verpflichtungen aus der Völkermordkonvention verstoßen, heißt es in der Klage Nicaraguas.

16.03.2024 - 21:20 [ Times of Israel ]

ICJ to hold hearings on Nicaragua’s case accusing Germany of facilitating ‘genocide’ in Gaza

Top UN judges will start listening to submissions next month in the case filed by Nicaragua accusing Berlin of facilitating “genocide” in Gaza because of its support for Israel in the war against Hamas, officials say.

Two weeks ago Nicaragua filed a case against Germany before the International Court of Justice, saying Berlin was “facilitating the commission of genocide and… failed in its obligation to do everything possible to prevent the commission of genocide,” in Gaza.

12.03.2024 - 16:45 [ New York Times ]

The Daily Hunt for Food in Gaza

For two million hungry Gazans, most days bring a difficult search for something to eat.

10.03.2024 - 20:25 [ International Court of Justice ]

Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel) – The Republic of South Africa submits an urgent request for the indication of additional provisional measures and the modification of the Court’s prior provisional measures Order and decision

THE HAGUE, 6 March 2024. South Africa today filed an urgent request with the Court for the indication of additional provisional measures and the modification of the Court’s Order of 26 January 2024 and decision of 16 February 2024 in the case concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel).

In its new request, South Africa states that it is “compelled to return to the Court in light of the new facts and changes in the situation in Gaza — particularly the situation of widespread starvation — brought about by the continuing egregious breaches of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide . . . by the State of Israel . . . and its ongoing manifest violations of the provisional measures indicated by this Court on 26 January 2024”. It requests the Court to indicate further provisional measures and/or to modify the provisional measures indicated it its Order of 26 January 2024, pursuant to Article 41 of the Statute of the Court and Article 75, paragraphs 1 and 3, and Article 76, paragraph 1, of the Rules of Court, respectively, “in order urgently to ensure the safety and security of 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, including over a million children”. It urges the Court to do so without holding a hearing, in light of the “extreme urgency of the situation”.

10.03.2024 - 20:15 [ New York Times ]

South Africa Asks U.N. Court to Intervene to Avert ‘Genocidal Starvation’ in Gaza

(07.03.2024)

Israel has strenuously denied the genocide allegation, and on Thursday its foreign ministry called on the court to reject South Africa’s latest request.

“South Africa continues to act as the legal arm of Hamas in an attempt to undermine Israel’s inherent right to defend itself and its citizens, and to release all of the hostages,” Lior Haiat, a spokesman for Israel’s Foreign Ministry, said on social media.

It was not immediately clear when the court would respond to the request.

10.03.2024 - 18:45 [ International Committee of Red Cross ]

A statement on Gaza and Israel from the president of the ICRC

Five months into the escalation of hostilities, which began with the horrific events in Israel on 7 October, the situation in the Gaza Strip degenerates by the hour. There is nowhere safe for people to go. The civilian death toll and the ongoing captivity of hostages are shocking and unacceptable.

This brutal war has ruptured any sense of a shared humanity.

10.03.2024 - 18:40 [ NewArab.com ]

Gaza war has ‚ruptured any sense of a shared humanity‘ amid Israeli atrocities: ICRC

„As an occupying power, Israel must provide for the basic needs of the population or facilitate the safe and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief,“ Spoljaric said.

The war had „ruptured any sense of a shared humanity“, she said.

„The situation in the Gaza Strip degenerates by the hour. There is nowhere safe for people to go. The civilian death toll and the ongoing captivity of hostages are shocking and unacceptable,“ Spoljaric said.

02.03.2024 - 21:12 [ Middle East Eye ]

Israeli forces target Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza City

For the second time in the past 72 hours, Israeli forces shot at Palestinians waiting for aid in Gaza City‘s Nabulsi roundabout, Palestine‘s Wafa news agency reported.

The shooting reportedly killed one Palestinian and injured 26 others.

02.03.2024 - 20:47 [ Middle East Eye ]

New testimonies from Gaza City aid-seekers killing emerge

„At around 3:40am, a tank and a drone approached people and started shooting at random,“ he said. „The shooting and shelling were insane, a level I had never witnessed since the beginning of the war.“

Hassan said the tank came back 15 minutes later with aid trucks, which people rushed towards. He was able to get one flour bag before Israeli forces started shooting again.

„Tens of young men fell in front of me in seconds,“ he said.

02.03.2024 - 20:23 [ Al Jazeera ]

UN sees ‘large number of gunshot wounds’ after Israel’s ‘flour massacre’

At least 117 Palestinians were killed and more than 750 wounded during the “flour massacre” at the Nabulsi Roundabout on the southwestern side of Gaza City, after Israeli troops opened fire on the crowd.

On Friday a UN team visited some of the wounded in Gaza City’s al-Shifa Hospital, and saw a “large number of gunshot wounds”, UN chief Antonio Guterres’ spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

02.03.2024 - 20:08 [ NHK.or.jp ]

UN official: victims of disputed Gaza attack had gunshot wounds

An official with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, reported on social media on Friday that medics at Al-Shifa Hospital are treating more than 200 people injured in the attack, some of whom have gunshot wounds.

02.03.2024 - 19:56 [ Chicago Tribune ]

A Gaza doctor says gunfire accounted for 80% of the wounds at his hospital after aid convoy bloodshed

Dr. Mohammed Salha, the acting director of Al-Awda Hospital, told The Associated Press that of the 176 wounded brought to the facility, 142 had gunshot wounds and the other 34 showed injuries from a stampede.

He couldn’t address the cause of death of those killed, because the bodies were taken to government-run hospitals to be counted.

Dr. Husam Abu Safyia, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, said the majority of the injured taken there had gunshot wounds in the upper part of their bodies, and many of the deaths were from gunshots to the head, neck or chest.

02.03.2024 - 19:54 [ European Union External Action ]

Gaza/Israel: Statement by the High Representative on Palestinians citizens killed during a transfer of aid supplies

Last Thursday, over a hundred civilians were killed and many other wounded when desperately trying to get food from a convoy, many of them victims of the Israeli army fire during the ensuing stampede. The firing by Israeli soldiers against civilians trying to access foodstuff is unjustifiable.

We request an impartial international investigation on this tragic event allowing for a clear picture of the events and responsibilities. In any case, it is Israel‘s responsibility to comply with the rules of international law and to protect the distribution of humanitarian aid to civilian populations.

02.03.2024 - 19:46 [ El Pais ]

Many of those killed or wounded in Gaza stampede for aid were shot by Israeli army, EU arm says

Many of the Palestinians killed or wounded in the chaos as they tried to get bags of flour from an aid convoy were hit by Israeli army fire, the European Union’s diplomatic service said Saturday, urging an international investigation.

01.03.2024 - 22:35 [ International Court of Justice ]

The Republic of Nicaragua institutes proceedings against the Federal Republic of Germany and requests the Court to indicate provisional measures

THE HAGUE, 1 March 2024. Nicaragua today filed an Application instituting proceedings against Germany before the International Court of Justice for alleged violations by Germany of its obligations deriving from the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (the “Genocide Convention”), the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their Additional Protocols, “intransgressible principles of international humanitarian law” and other norms of general international law in relation to the Occupied Palestinian Territory, particularly the Gaza Strip.

The Applicant states that “[e]ach and every Contracting Party to the Genocide Convention has a duty under the Convention to do everything possible to prevent the commission of genocide” and that, since October 2023, there has been “a recognised risk of genocide against the Palestinian people, directed first of all against the population of the Gaza Strip”. Nicaragua argues that by providing political, financial and military support to Israel and by defunding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), “Germany is facilitating the commission of genocide and, in any case has failed in its obligation to do everything possible to prevent the commission of genocide”.

01.03.2024 - 22:22 [ Straits Times ]

Nicaragua files case at World Court against Germany for aiding Israel

Nicaragua has filed a case at the International Court of Justice against Germany for giving financial and military aid to Israel and for defunding the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), the U.N.‘s top court said on Friday.

Nicaragua asked the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to issue emergency measures requiring Berlin to stop its military aid to Israel and reverse its decision to stop funding UNRWA.

01.03.2024 - 19:33 [ theCradle.co ]

Washington blocks UNSC statement condemning Israel for ‚Flour Massacre‘

“We don’t have all the facts on the ground – that’s the problem,” US deputy ambassador to the UN Robert Wood told reporters on Thursday.

He then claimed there are “contradictory reports” about the Israeli army‘s latest massacre and highlighted that Washington was focused on finding “some language that everyone can agree on.”

01.03.2024 - 19:28 [ Times of Israel ]

US blocks UN Security Council statement blaming Israel for deadly Gaza aid stampede

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN ambassador, tells reporters after an emergency closed council meeting on the deaths, that 14 of the 15 council members supported the statement put forward by Algeria, the Arab representative on the body.

The United States did not support the statement and US deputy ambassador Robert Wood tells a reporter who questions why, “We don’t have all the facts on the ground – that’s the problem.”

01.03.2024 - 04:45 [ Middle East Eye ]

War on Gaza: Israeli ‚massacre‘ kills over 100 Palestinians seeking food in Gaza City

At least 104 Palestinians were killed and hundreds more wounded when Israeli forces fired on people at an aid convoy in Gaza City’s al-Rasheed Street on Thursday, the Palestinian health ministry said, calling the incident a „massacre“.

Residents of Gaza City had gathered seeking food, with the area completely cut off from aid by Israeli forces. NGOs and UN experts have voiced fears of famine in northern Gaza and there have been reports of people, including babies, dying of hunger.