Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel would continue its military campaign against Hamas until victory. He dismissed external pressures, including those from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The announcement came as the conflict in Gaza approaches its 100th day.
Netanyahu’s stance follows two days of hearings at the ICJ in The Hague, where South Africa accused Israel of genocide against Palestinians. The conflict has also taken a toll on Israel’s economy. The budget deficit will increase in 2024. It will reflect the considerable spending required for the ongoing war.
Pro-Palestinian protests have erupted worldwide, from Johannesburg to Washington, DC, demanding an end to Israel’s offensive in Gaza. An overnight Israeli army strike in Rafah killed 14 Palestinians, including a two-year-old girl. Israeli bulldozers entered Jenin in the occupied West Bank.
The Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed at least 23,843 Palestinians and wounded more than 60,317 as the conflict nears its 100th day. The revised death toll in Israel from the Hamas attacks stands at 1,139. Fifteen workers from Gaza have been detained, with arrests concentrated in Hebron and other provinces.
Meanwhile, Namibia has criticised Germany’s support for Israel in the ICJ genocide case, describing it as shocking. Namibian President Hage Geingob accused Germany of defending what he calls genocidal and gruesome acts by the Israeli government. The nation saw Germany’s decision as rejecting the indictment brought forward by South Africa.
Cameron defends UK military actions
Former UK Prime Minister David Cameron denied that UK strikes on the Houthis in Yemen constitute an escalation. He highlighted the Houthi attacks as the cause. Cameron suggested the possibility of further strikes if Houthi attacks persist.
The Houthis claim to target only Israeli-linked ships to pressure Israel to lift the Gaza siege.