UN court holds hearing on South Africa's plea against Israel's operations in Gaza

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) opened its two-day hearings on Thursday regarding South Africa's request to halt Israel's military offensive in Gaza.

South Africa's Ambassador to the Netherlands Vusimuzi Madonsela said at the hearing that the recent Israeli ground military operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah is a serious violation of The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, and the ICJ should take immediate emergency measures to stop Israel's brutal operation in Gaza.

South Africa requested to add the withdrawal of Israeli military from Rafah into the additional provisional measures, said Madonsela, adding that "South Africa found itself compelled to return to this Court" to "request the indication of additional provisional measures to prevent Israel's persistent acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza".

In his final submissions, Madonsela requested the Court to order Israel to "cease its military operations in the Gaza Strip, including Rafah", "immediately, totally and unconditionally withdraw the Israeli army from the entirety of the Gaza Strip", and "take all effective measures to ensure and facilitate the unimpeded access to Gaza of UN and other officials engaged in the provision of humanitarian aid and assistance to the population of Gaza".

As the hearing went on, civilian groups held gatherings outside the Court, urging Israel to immediately stop its military operation in Gaza.

"To stop now immediately, not tomorrow, enough is enough. How many people must be dead to stop this occupy, this war against the civilian people. What happens now in Gaza [is] not against Hamas, [it is] against the Palestinian people," said Wartege Assad, president of the Palestinian Community in the Netherlands.

Israel's argument will be presented to the ICJ on Friday, with a ruling expected in the coming weeks.

Thursday's hearing marked the third session of the International Court of Justice on the Israeli "genocide case" at the request of South Africa. So far, many countries have joined South Africa in the accusation against Israel. Libya, Nicaragua and Colombia have filed formal application and Egypt recently said it will join the case.

UN court holds hearing on South Africa's plea against Israel's operations in Gaza

UN court holds hearing on South Africa's plea against Israel's operations in Gaza

UN court holds hearing on South Africa's plea against Israel's operations in Gaza

On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.

Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.

In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.

"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.

"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.

He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.

"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.

Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth