UN Security Council to meet after ICJ ruling
Regional conflict in the middle east could spiral even further if the International Criminal Court’s genocide ruling is not going to be taken seriously by the Biden administration.
The UN Security Council on January 27 said that a meeting will take place over the coming days with regards to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) Israel genocide case ruling, according to Irish news network RTE.
Although the ICJ did not call for a ceasefire in Gaza during the verdict, it called for Israel to limit civilian casualties as well as holding to account those inciting genocidal acts and allowing aid into the besieged Palestinian enclave amidst fears the conflict could expand on a regional level.
The Israel-Palestine issue has been on the lips and minds of the council since October 7 and in December the US vetoed a Security Council, which has 15 members on it, resolution which meant a motion on the matter, which would have further intensified the pressure on Israel had it passed, fell through. The UK abstained on the vote.
Biden, as well as his officials, is one of the few world leaders to oppose a cessation of hostilities as the US’ position is that such a move would only be beneficial to Hamas.
Contrary to Israeli claims, the UN court has no bias against any state or political views and has been referred to as “crucial” in upholding international law.
Calls for letting aid into Gaza are expected to be the main talking point amongst Security Council members.
The meeting, expected to take place on January 30 in New York, was requested by Algeria, whose Foreign Ministry noted would give, “binding effect to the pronouncement of the International Court of Justice on the provisional measures imposed on the Israeli occupation”.
In general, Palestine welcomed the ruling and noted that no state should be untouchable in a legal sense.
Also, the UN’s top court’s President Joan Donoghue said that the ICJ had found sufficient evidence of dispute for the genocide case and will not throw it out.
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” Palestinian ambassador to the UN Riyad Mansour affirmed that, “(The decision) gives the clear message that in order to do all the things that they are asking for, you need a ceasefire for it to happen,”
The Arab Group, represented on the council by Algeria, hinted at the fact that they would be pushing for a ceasefire during the talks.
Israel’s Prime Minister dismissed the ICJ’s ruling, dubbing it “outrageous” and reiterated that the country “had a right to defend itself”.
Shortly after the world body’s court hearing, it was alleged that up to twelve employees of the UNRWA, an agency assisting Palestinians, were complicit in Hamas’ shock assault on southern Israel in October.
The accusations have led many countries to suspend funding to the UN agency, notably the UK, the US, Japan and Canada.
Many also commented that such moves were an act of “collective punishment” against the Palestinian people who are in dire need of international assistance.
RTE/ The Guardian
