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Gaza Genocide Charges to be Brought before the World Court by Israel
(V.News) – Israel prepared to defend itself on Thursday at the top U.N. court against allegations of genocide in Gaza. In response to calls from some right-wing ministers on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rebuffed the permanent occupation of Gaza.
Amid Israel’s ongoing war against Hamas militants in Gaza, where Palestinian officials claim 23,000 people have died, the International Court of Justice in the Hague was set to open two days of hearings in South Africa’s case alleging that the war violated the 1948 Genocide Convention.
“It was our opposition to Israel’s and the United States’ ongoing slaughter of Gazans that drove us as a country to approach the ICJ,” South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Wednesday.
“As a people who once tasted the bitter fruits of dispossession, discrimination, racism, and state-sponsored violence, we are clear that we will stand on the right side of history,” stated President Ramaphosa. Between 1948 and 1994, the apartheid racial separation system was imposed on the black majority by South Africa’s white minority.
In its 84-page submission, South Africa claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza by murdering them, causing substantial mental and bodily injury, and creating conditions “calculated to bring about their physical destruction.”.
Genocide is defined as “acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group,” according to the 1948 treaty.
Israeli government spokeswoman Eylon Levy made the following statement before the hearings: “The State of Israel will appear before the International Court of Justice to dispel South Africa’s absurd blood libel, as Pretoria gives political and legal cover to the Hamas rapist regime.”
While the court (also known as the World Court) considers the case’s merits, which may take years, the proceedings will focus only on South Africa’s request for an emergency order that Israel cease military operations in Gaza.
By Wednesday night, both Brazil and Colombia had voiced their solidarity with South Africa.
US URGES ISRAEL TO PROTECT CIVILIANS
Israel claims 1,200 were murdered and 240 were abducted in a cross-border rampage by Hamas fighters on October 7. Following this, Israel started its attack.
A humanitarian disaster has unfolded in Gaza as a result of Israeli troops’ subsequent destruction of most of the territory and the forced displacement of virtually all of its 2.3 million inhabitants. While condemning South Africa’s accusations of genocide, Washington pushed Israel to take more measures to safeguard the Palestinian people.
Statements made by State Department spokeswoman Matt Miller dismissed “allegations that Israel is committing genocide” as baseless. “It is those who are violently attacking Israel who continue to openly call for the annihilation of Israel and the mass murder of Jews.”
Miller echoed the sentiments of others, saying that Israel has the “right to defend itself against Hamas’ terrorist acts.” He went on to say that Israel should “comply with international humanitarian law” and seek out more ways to protect civilians, as well as investigate potential breaches of IHL when they occur.
Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has stated that it has not yet concluded whether “the situation in Gaza amounts to genocide” or not. However, they have noted that “there are alarming warning signs, given the staggering scale of death and destruction” in the 33-day conflict.
The report noted “an appalling spike in dehumanizing and racist rhetoric against Palestinians by certain Israeli government and military officials.”. Amnesty International said that the conflict and Israel’s “illegal siege in Gaza” were causing “inflammable levels of suffering” and endangering the lives of Gaza residents in a statement it released.
Netanyahu rejected right-wing demands from ministers like Bezalel Smotrich (finance) and Itamar Ben-Gvir (national security) that the Palestinians voluntarily evacuate Gaza so that Israelis might dwell there on the night before the hearings.
"I want to make a few points absolutely clear:
Israel has no intention of permanently occupying Gaza or displacing its civilian population.
Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian population, and we are doing so in full compliance with international law. pic.twitter.com/amxFaMnS0P— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 10, 2024
According to Smotrich, if a large majority of Palestinians left Gaza, “most Israeli society would say, ‘Why not? It’s a great place; let’s make the desert bloom.’ On social media platform X, Netanyahu wrote: “I want to make one thing clear: Israel does not intend to permanently occupy Gaza or displace its civilian population.”
His comments may have been timed to coincide with the court hearings, as he added: “Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian people, and we are doing so in compliance with international law.”
FIGHTING IN GAZA CONTINUES
Israel claims 1,200 were murdered and 240 were abducted in a cross-border rampage by Hamas fighters on October 7. Following this, Israel started its attack.
A humanitarian disaster has unfolded in Gaza as a result of Israeli troops’ subsequent destruction of most of the territory and the forced displacement of virtually all of its 2.3 million inhabitants.
While condemning South Africa’s accusations of genocide, Washington pushed Israel to take more measures to safeguard the Palestinian people. Statements made by State Department spokeswoman Matt Miller dismissed “allegations that Israel is committing genocide” as baseless.
“It is those who are violently attacking Israel who continue to openly call for the annihilation of Israel and the mass murder of Jews.” Miller echoed the sentiments of others, saying that Israel has the “right to defend itself against Hamas’ terrorist acts.”
He went on to say that Israel should “comply with international humanitarian law” and seek out more ways to protect civilians, as well as investigate potential breaches of IHL when they occur.
Amnesty International, a human rights organization, has stated that it has not yet concluded whether “the situation in Gaza amounts to genocide” or not. However, they have noted that “there are alarming warning signs, given the staggering scale of death and destruction” in the 33-day conflict.
The report noted “an appalling spike in dehumanizing and racist rhetoric against Palestinians by the certain Israeli government and military officials” . Amnesty International said that the conflict and Israel’s “illegal siege in Gaza” were causing “inflammable levels of suffering” and endangering the lives of Gaza residents in a statement it released.
Netanyahu rejected right-wing demands from ministers like as Bezalel Smotrich (finance) and Itamar Ben-Gvir (national security) that the Palestinians voluntarily evacuate Gaza so that Israelis might dwell there on the night before the hearings.
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Trudeau Rocks to Taylor Swift While Montreal Burns
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has come under fire yet again after a video surfaced on X, showing him dancing at a Taylor Swift performance while anti-Nato protestors ransacked downtown Montreal.
Trudeau attended Taylor Swift’s concert in Toronto on Friday night. Before Taylor Swift approached the stage, X shared a viral video of him dancing and singing along to the song “You Don’t Own Me.”
The image of Trudeau dancing amid violent protests in Montreal generated widespread indignation online. Some social media users even compared Trudeau to the ancient Roman dictator Nero, known for “fiddling while Rome burned.”
Don Stewart, a Member of Parliament (MP) representing part of Toronto, called out the prime minister in a post on X.
Lawless protestors run roughshod over Montreal in violent protest.
The Prime Minister dances.
This is the Canada built by the Liberal government.
Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved. pic.twitter.com/PVJvR6gtmf
— Don Stewart (@donstewartmp) November 23, 2024
“Lawless protesters run roughshod over Montreal in violent protest. The Prime Minister dances,” Stewart wrote. “This is the Canada built by the Liberal government.”
“Bring back law and order, safe streets and communities in the Canada we once knew and loved,” the MP added.
On Saturday, the day after Taylor Swift’s concert, Trudeau condemned the anti-NATO protests, calling them “appalling.”
Anti-NATO activists set off smoke bombs and marched through Montreal’s streets waving Palestinian flags. According to the Montreal Gazette, rioters set fire to automobiles and battled with police.
Pro-Palestinian protests
Protesters also tossed tiny explosives and metal objects at officers. At one point, the mob torched an effigy of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Police used tear gas and batons to disperse the gathering, and three persons were arrested for attacking officers and impeding police operations.
Masked protesters were seen burning flares and bashing storefront windows in videos and photographs shared on social media. Pro-Palestinian protests have been taking place across Canada since the Israel-Gaza conflict began late last year.
Critics have lambasted Trudeau for doing nothing to stop the violent pro-Palestinian marches, with some claiming he has fueled anti-Israel sentiment in Canada.
On Friday, Trudeau stated that Canada would respect the orders of the International Criminal Court (ICC), which issued an arrest warrant for Mr Netanyahu, even if it meant arresting the Israeli prime leader on Canadian soil.
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Calgary Zoo Admits Human Error in Death of Baby Gorilla
The Calgary Zoo has admitted in a public statement that a zookeeper’s negligence caused the death of a 2-year-old baby gorilla. Eyare, a newborn gorilla, died last week after being slammed in the head by a hydraulic door.
The accident occurred when a zoo worker attempted to separate Eyare from the rest of the gorilla tribe for a solitary training session.
The gorilla died from significant head injuries, according to the zoo’s statement.
“This tragedy has struck us all in the deepest way imaginable,” Colleen Baird, director of animal care at the Calgary Zoo, said during a news conference. “Eyare’s brief but meaningful existence gave so much joy to our community, and all will sorely miss her. We will do everything possible to prevent repeat accidents.”
According to Baird, the staff member involved was immediately removed from the workplace and will be reassigned to another area of the zoo. The Calgary Zoo stated that it would take preventive steps, such as specialist personnel training and animal behavioral training, to avoid a similar incident.
Calgary Zoo Questioned
It is not the first time an animal at the zoo has died from negligence at the Calgary Zoo. A capybara was accidentally crushed by a hydraulic door similar to the one that killed Eyare in 2019.
An otter died in 2016 after being entangled in an “unauthorized” pair of jeans that a zookeeper had dropped in its enclosure. In 2013, a penguin died in “a freak accident” after swallowing a stick.
Animal Justice, a Canadian group that promotes animal welfare, has called for an independent investigation of animal safety and oversight at the Alberta facility.
“The Calgary Zoo appears to have a higher rate of animal deaths compared to other zoos, and in light of Eyare’s death there should be a systematic review of the zoo’s operations and practices, conducted transparently by the government or another outside party,” according to Camille Labchuk, the executive director of Animal Justice.
The Calgary Zoo refuted that it has more animal deaths than other zoos, emphasizing that it adheres to operating requirements and has maintained accreditation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ independent Accreditation Commission since 1978.
“We love and care for more than 4,000 animals representing over 100 species that call our zoo home,” stated a Calgary Zoo representative.
“Human error-related deaths in animals are quite infrequent. We have lost two animals in the last ten years: a North American river otter in 2016 and ‘Eyare’ this week.
While rare, even one human-caused death is too many. These unfortunate instances have served as vital learning experiences, prompting us to examine and tighten protocols to provide the greatest level of care.”
Baird said at the news conference that using hydraulic doors is “common practice with accredited zoos,” adding that the facility will consider switching to alternate doors to improve safety.
The Calgary Zoo, which established the Wilder Institute in 2021, caters to nearly 4,000 creatures, including six more western lowland gorillas.
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Canada’s Lotto Max Jackpot Climbs to $80M
Lotto Max in Canada has reached $80 million for only the second time in Canadian lottery history. Friday’s draw sought a winner for a $75 million pool, but the top reward remained unclaimed as of Saturday, increasing the jackpot.
Only once did the jackpot reach $80 million in September, when it broke the previous record. Before that, the prize was $75 million, a record.
The Lotto Max prize maximum was boosted earlier this year, enabling for jackpots of more than $70 million. The cap is now at $80 million.
While a greater fee may encourage more people to play, the odds of winning the lottery remain extremely low.
According to the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation, the odds for a $5 ticket are around one in 33,294,800.
While there was no jackpot winner in Friday’s draw, someone did match six of the seven winning numbers, plus a bonus, earning them a payout of more than $320,000.
Lotto Max History
Lotto Max is one of three national lottery games in Canada, overseen by the Interprovincial Lottery Corporation. The game was introduced on September 19, 2009, and its inaugural draw occurred on September 25, 2009. It replaced Lotto Super 7.
The odds of winning the Lotto Max are 1 in 33,294,800. This is correct to a point but misleading.
Let’s have a look at the rules:
- Players choose 7 numbers out of 50
- Numbers cannot be repeated
- Numbers are automatically sorted into ascending order
- Each play buys 3 lines
- Each play costs $5
Seeing that players choose 7 out of 50 non-repeating numbers, the equation for the total number of possible combinations (this is different from permutations where the order in which the numbers appear is significant) when playing the Lotto Max is 50! / (7! x 43!)
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