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Japan tells Israel ICJ order to halt Rafah attack ‘legally binding’, must be observed
Japan’s Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko told her Israeli counterpart that Tokyo wants to see an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza and that rulings by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) are binding under international law and must “be observed in good faith”.
In a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Yoko also said that “humanitarian assistance activities” in Gaza “should not be impeded” and that Tokyo wants to see a “conducive environment for humanitarian assistance”, including “making use of the Rafah crossing”.
“Both sides concurred to continue close communication,” Japan’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement following the call on Monday.
The ICJ last week ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, and warning of “immense risk” to the Palestinian population from the ground invasion of the city in southern Gaza, which was earlier declared a “safe zone” by Israeli forces.
Nine Israelis arrested in Haifa protest against Rafah assault
Nine demonstrators were arrested on Monday night in the Israeli city of Haifa during a protest held to oppose Sunday’s deadly attack on Rafah in southern Gaza and calling for an end to the war.
Footage of the protests, verified by Al Jazeera’s fact-checking unit Sanad, shows dozens of demonstrators at the site, holding signs saying “Palestine Lives Matter” and “Hands off Rafah”.
Two of the arrested demonstrators were released, while two more are expected to be released overnight.
EU ministers discuss sanctions on Israel: Report
The European Union has for the first time discussed placing sanctions on Israel over its war on Gaza, Ireland’s Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said.
Martin said the imposition of EU sanctions was discussed as a possible measure to be taken if Israel does not comply with the ICJ’s ruling to halt its attack on Rafah, according to a report by Irish public broadcaster RTE.
Ireland would support sanctions, Martin suggested, according to the RTE.
“Certainly, if compliance isn’t forthcoming, then we have to consider all options,” Martin said, adding that it was the first time he had witnessed EU ministers hold “a significant discussion on sanctions”.
“Mr Martin said a number of foreign ministers had also raised the prospect of sanctions against Israeli officials who were aiding and abetting violent West Bank settlers,” RTE also reported.
Seems pretty fucking clear they are not complying. How much longer are they going to stall.
