British jurist Malcolm Shaw and Yaron Wax look on at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), during a ruling on South Africa’s request to order a halt to Israel’s Rafah offensive in Gaza as part of a larger case brought before the Hague-based court by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, in The Hague, Netherlands May 24, 2024. REUTERS/Johanna Geron
This year has been one of the most tumultuous in Israel’s history since its establishment in 1948, characterized by significant international legal actions, sanctions, and strained relations with key allies. Below is a summary of key events:
January 12
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) began hearings on a case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians during the Gaza conflict. South Africa claims Israel violated the 1948 Genocide Convention. Israel denies these allegations, asserting its military actions are self-defense against Hamas, which the U.S. and other Western countries designate as a terrorist organization. The United States dismissed the case as meritless.
January 26
The ICJ ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and take further measures to assist civilians in Gaza, but did not mandate a ceasefire as South Africa requested. The ICJ acknowledged a potential case regarding the denial of Palestinian rights and called for the release of hostages by Palestinian armed groups.
February 1
The Biden administration imposed sanctions on four Israeli individuals implicated in settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, reflecting growing U.S. dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies.
March 18
European Union foreign ministers agreed in principle to sanction Israeli settlers responsible for attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank and imposed additional sanctions on Hamas members.
March 25
The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, following the United States’ abstention from the vote. Netanyahu criticized the U.S. for not vetoing the resolution, viewing it as a setback for Israel’s war efforts and the ongoing hostage situation with Hamas.
April 19
The United States sanctioned an ally of Israel’s far-right national security minister and two entities fundraising for Israeli men accused of settler violence.
April 29
For the first time, the U.S. identified five Israeli security force units as responsible for severe human rights violations, although it did not restrict their access to U.S. military aid.
May 8
President Joe Biden warned Israel that the U.S. would halt arms supplies if Israeli forces initiated a full-scale invasion of Rafah, a refugee-dense city in southern Gaza. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a suspension of high-payload munitions deliveries due to concerns over civilian casualties. However, the U.S. reaffirmed its strong commitment to Israel’s defense.
May 10
The U.N. General Assembly endorsed a Palestinian bid for full U.N. membership, recognizing Palestine as qualified and urging the Security Council to reconsider the matter, despite a U.S. veto in April. The resolution passed with significant support but did not grant full membership. Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan condemned the vote and symbolically shredded a copy of the U.N. Charter.
May 20
The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor sought arrest warrants for Netanyahu, his defense minister, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Netanyahu rejected the charges, while the U.S. and France expressed differing views on the ICC’s actions.
May 22
Ireland, Spain, and Norway recognized a Palestinian state, joining approximately 144 other U.N. member states. Israel decried this as a “reward for terrorism” and recalled its ambassadors. The U.S. reiterated that Palestinian statehood should be achieved through negotiations.
May 24
The ICJ ordered Israel to immediately cease its military operations in Rafah, responding to South Africa’s genocide accusations. The ICJ president cited deteriorating conditions in Gaza to justify the emergency order.
These events highlight the escalating legal, diplomatic, and military challenges Israel has faced, with significant implications for its international relations and internal policies.
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