October 29, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) South Africa files 'evidence' of Israel's Gaza 'genocide' with ICJ South Africa has filed "evidence of a genocide" committed by Israel in Gaza with the International Court of Justice. The evidence shows how the government of Israel has violated the genocide convention by promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza. It supplements facts and arguments in South Africa's ongoing genocide case against Israel. The parties to the case have already argued that Israel's actions such as using starvation as a weapon of war, and depopulating Gaza through mass killings and forced displacement of Palestinians amount to genocide. *) Israel bombs eastern Lebanon, kills 60 people Meanwhile, Israel continues to bomb Lebanon as the death toll from Israeli strikes on Lebanese villages in eastern Lebanon's city of Baalbek has risen to at least 60. Israel has already blocked the only route for the displaced families fleeing from a crossing from Lebanon into Syria. The land crossing on Lebanon's northeastern border, known as Jousieh on the Syrian side, connects to Qusayr in Syria's Homs province. It was put out of service last Friday when the Israeli strike created a large crater that blocked vehicle traffic. *) Massacre of a massacre: Thailand's Tak Bai Muslim victims denied justice A court in southern Thailand dropped a case against former state security personnel and officials over the killing of 85 Muslim protesters in 2004. Families of the victims of what is known as the Tak Bai massacre in April accused seven soldiers and government officials of murder, attempted murder and unlawful detention. The court however said that while there was enough evidence for an indictment, the case was unable to proceed as no suspects were arrested and brought to the court. As a result, the 20-year statute of limitations expired on Friday. *) Israel bans UNRWA in occupied territories Israel’s Knesset has passed two bills aimed at ending the operations of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) across the occupied West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem, drawing increasing international concern. The UN expressed "profound concern" over the Israeli parliament's bills. The bill bans the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, from conducting “any activity” or providing any service inside Israel. The UN Secretary-General wrote to the Prime Minister of Israel, expressing his profound concern about those bills and their impact. *) US finalises curbs on investing in Chinese tech The Biden administration has said it is finalising rules that will limit US investments in artificial intelligence and other technology sectors in China. The rules will apply to semiconductors and microelectronics, quantum information technologies and certain AI systems and cover technologies like cutting-edge code-breaking computer systems or next-generation fighter jets.