UN rapporteur praises South Africa push for justice in genocide case
Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, has welcomed South Africa’s decision to press ahead with its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
“Peace without justice, respect for human rights and dignity, without reparations and guarantees of non repetition, is not sustainable,” she wrote in a post on X.
Earlier today, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said his country would not withdraw its case, despite the US-backed ceasefire deal that has ended the fighting in Gaza.
Peace without justice, respect for human rights and dignity, without reparations and guarantees of non reeptition, is not sustainable. https://t.co/nmIyPS3jR6
— Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur oPt (@FranceskAlbs) October 14, 2025
Is Netanyahu a war criminal? Prominent US senator skirts question
Cory Booker, a Democratic senator considered one of the possible candidates for president in 2028, has declined to give a clear answer when quizzed on whether he thinks the Israeli prime minister is a war criminal.
“Benjamin Netanyahu, do you think he’s a war criminal?” Booker was asked on the I’ve Had It Podcast.
“These are questions that a lot of people think are the important litmus tests that are loaded and hot,” Booker responded. “My urgency is to be an effective leader in bringing an end to this crisis. And I get these questions all the time that, to me, undermine my urgency.”
Pressed further as the host demanded a yes-or-no answer, Booker added: “Do I think Netanyahu is worse than Trump? Yes.”
Netanyahu is wanted by the International Criminal Court on war crime charges in Gaza, including using starvation as a weapon of war. UN investigators also declared last month that the Israeli military is carrying out a genocide against Palestinians at the orders of the political authorities in the country, which Netanyahu leads.
It’s a simple yes or no question pic.twitter.com/D6jY01uflY
— I've Had It Podcast (@ivehaditpodcast) October 14, 2025
Israel’s Smotrich declares intent to re-establish Gaza settlements
Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, says that “there will be Jewish settlements in Gaza”.
“We have patience, but we have determination and faith, and with God’s help, we will continue the series of victories and great miracles,” Smotrich said at an event in Sderot in Israel’s south.
The ceasefire deal that Trump brokered and promised to ensure its implementation would see Israel withdraw its army from Gaza.
