Report on alleged negotiations for the release of hostages – the night update In Tokyo, security instructions probably saved lives – that is the case with Swiss

Israel rejected charges of genocide in the Gaza Strip shortly before the start of an explosive trial at the International Court of Justice. “Israel is fighting Hamas terrorists, not the Palestinian people, and we are doing so in full accordance with international law,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on the eve of the trial in The Hague. The judges must first rule on an urgent request from South Africa calling for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations. The proceedings, which start on Thursday with a hearing by South Africa, could influence the further course of the war.

The UN Security Council calls for an end to Houthi attacks on ships

Meanwhile, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an end to attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on merchant ships in the Red Sea. The newspaper, which was adopted in New York on Wednesday, condemned the attacks and called for them to be “stopped immediately.” Since the outbreak of the Gaza war, the Houthis have repeatedly attacked ships with alleged Israeli connections. The Yemeni rebels also repeatedly fire rockets directly at Israel. Security Council resolutions are binding under international law and can therefore develop international influence.

Report on alleged hostage release negotiations

Meanwhile, according to unconfirmed media reports, Qatar has submitted a new proposal for a ceasefire and the release of more hostages. Accordingly, all hostages must be released in exchange for a complete withdrawal of the Israeli army. Hamas leadership must go into exile. As Israel’s war cabinet met Wednesday evening to discuss efforts to release more hostages, the Islamist Hamas described reports of such negotiations as a “Zionist hoax,” the Ynet news site reported.

Israel had previously rejected an army withdrawal before the destruction of Hamas and the release of the 136 remaining hostages. The Hamas leadership is also unwilling to leave the Gaza Strip and give up control of the coastal area. Therefore, the chances of an agreement between Israel and Hamas are considered slim.

South Africa: Israel wants to destroy the Palestinians

With its lawsuit filed at the highest UN court at the end of 2023, South Africa wants to prove that Israel intends to destroy the Palestinians and thus violates the UN Genocide Convention. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, 23,357 people have been killed as a result of Israeli military operations since the start of the war. The information cannot be independently verified at this time.

Israel, on the other hand, reaffirms its right to self-defense following the bloody attacks by Hamas and other extremists on October 7, 2023. About 1,200 people were killed and about 250 kidnapped from Israel, about half of whom have been released. far. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday during a visit to Lebanon that she does not see any intention to commit genocide in Israel’s military action in Gaza. However, Brazil and Colombia expressed support for the South African lawsuit.

A decision by the International Court of Justice on South Africa’s urgent request for an immediate end to Israeli military operations is expected in the coming weeks. The main trial on the genocide charges could drag on for years.

Israeli Minister: Release of hostages most important issue

Israeli War Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz said on Wednesday: “The most urgent issue is the repatriation of the hostages, it is more important than any part of the battle.” Meanwhile, Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari said in the evening that troops had found a tunnel in Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, where hostages had previously been held by Hamas. The hostages were there underground “under very difficult circumstances”. Hagari provided no further details.

Israeli General: Will Defeat Hamas Underground

A whole network of tunnels extends over many kilometers under the Gaza Strip. To withstand the Israeli bombs, some reach depths of tens of meters. The terrorists also use the tunnels to appear out of nowhere and attack from behind. According to the Times of Israel, Brigadier General Dan Goldfus said on Wednesday that the army had now adjusted its strategy. While initially only the entrances to the tunnels were tracked down and destroyed, soldiers are now being sent in. The core of Hamas lies underground. “We will beat them there,” he said.

The humanitarian situation remains catastrophic

The humanitarian situation for the civilian population of the Gaza Strip remains catastrophic. Four medics in an ambulance were killed in an Israeli attack, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent. They were hit while transporting wounded people in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza. The Israeli army wanted to investigate the report. Israel repeatedly accuses Hamas of misusing clinics and ambulances for terrorist purposes. Hamas rejects this.

Report: Hezbollah fires anti-tank missiles at Israel’s homes

Since the start of the Gaza war, there have been almost daily violent clashes between the army and Hezbollah on Israel’s northern border with Lebanon. The Shiite militia, which is an ally of Hamas and also supported by Iran, repeatedly fires at Israel. According to a report in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the country is also using an unusually large number of anti-tank missiles against residential buildings. It was said that the precision weapons would allow them to maintain pressure without risking a major war with Israel. The Israeli army declined to comment on the report when asked.

What will be important on Thursday

The trial of South Africa’s genocide charges against Israel begins in The Hague at the International Court of Justice. South Africa will be heard first, followed by Israel on Friday. Meanwhile, Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck is conducting political talks in Israel. The Green politician wants to meet Israeli Economy Minister Nir Barkat, Energy Minister Eli Cohen and Foreign Minister Israel Katz in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. A meeting with Israeli civil society is also planned. (sda/dpa)