THE HAGUE: South Africa will ask the top UN court on Thursday to order a halt to the Rafah offensive as part of its case in The Hague accusing Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
The hearings at the International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, come after South Africa last week asked for additional emergency measures to protect Rafah, a southern Gaza city where more than a million Palestinians have been sheltering.
It also asked the court to order Israel to allow unimpeded access to Gaza for UN officials, organizations providing humanitarian aid, and journalists and investigators. It added that Israel has so far ignored and violated earlier court orders.
On Thursday, South Africa will present its latest intervention seeking emergency measures starting at 3 p.m.(1300 GMT).
Israel, which has denounced South Africa’s claim that it is violating the 1949 Genocide Convention as baseless, will respond on Friday. In previous filings it stressed it had stepped up efforts to get humanitarian aid into Gaza as the ICJ had ordered.
Gilad Erdan, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations told Army Radio on Wednesday the short notice the court gave for the hearings did not allow sufficient legal preparation, adding that was “a telling sign.”
The Israel-Hamas war has killed nearly 35,000 people in Gaza, according to health authorities there. About 1,200 people were killed in Israel and 253 taken hostage on Oct. 7 when Hamas launched the attack that started the war, according Israeli tallies.
South Africa accuses Israel of acts of genocide against Palestinians. In January, the court ordered Israel to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza, allow in more humanitarian aid and preserve any evidence of violations.
The hearings on May 16 and 17 will only focus on issuing emergency measures, to keep the dispute from escalating. It will likely take years before the court can rule on the merits of the case.
The ICJ’s rulings and orders are binding and without appeal. While the court has no way to enforce them, an order against a country could hurt its international reputation and set legal precedent.
South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Rafah offensive at World Court
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South Africa seeks halt to Israel’s Rafah offensive at World Court
- The hearings on May 16 and 17 will only focus on issuing emergency measures, to keep the dispute from escalating
UK cyclists to ride from Makkah to Madinah to fundraise for children in Africa
- H&K Cycle Club to travel through Hejaz region for fifth successive year, aim to raise £1m
- ‘Every kilometer we ride is fueled by the strength of the children we ride for,’ says head of club
LONDON: A cycling team from London will undertake a journey of 550 km from Makkah to Madinah in Saudi Arabia later this month to raise funds for children in Africa with congenital heart defects.
The H&K Cycle Club will take on the challenge through the Hejaz region for the fifth successive year, aiming to raise £1 million (SR5 million) after raising over £750,000 for lifesaving surgeries last year.
Shamsul Abdin, the head of the H&K Cycle Club, said: “Every kilometer we ride is fueled by the strength of the children we ride for. Their courage inspires us to push through the most punishing moments.”
Abdin was awarded the MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in December for his contribution to charitable fundraising.
He added: “This fifth anniversary ride is more than a milestone: it’s a celebration of hope, perseverance, and the lives we’ve been able to save together.”
The cyclists expect to face scorching heat, brutal headwinds, dangerous highways and physical exhaustion. For many riders, this will be their fifth ride in Hejaz, Abdin said.
Funds raised will support Muntada Aid’s Little Hearts project, which provides free, lifesaving surgeries for children across Africa. The project has helped nearly 3,500 children in 15 countries since its inception in 2012.
Kabir Miah, programs manager at Muntada Aid, said: “Every pound raised gives a child the chance to live a long and healthy life.”
