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The Citizen
an hour ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa's spokesperson defends SA's ICJ case against Israel
"Israeli soldiers have deliberately shot at unarmed Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza". President Cyril Ramaphosa's spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, has defended South Africa's International Court of Justice (ICJ) case against Israel after an attack on a school in Gaza. Charred remains of Palestinian women and children were pulled from under the rubble in Gaza on Friday after the Israeli army bombed the Osama Bin Zaid School, packed with displaced families. Israel attack A series of Israeli airstrikes and artillery attacks across the Gaza Strip on Friday killed at least 78 Palestinians, including 12 aid seekers, as Israel's war on the besieged enclave continues unabated. At least eight people were killed when an Israeli airstrike hit on the Osama Bin Zaid school, which had been sheltering displaced families in the Saftawi area of northern Gaza's Jabalia. A fire broke out inside a classroom following the strike, triggering panic among those inside. The strike has once again raised alarm over the targeting of civilian shelters. ALSO READ: Israel accused of starving Gaza 'by design' — South Africa addresses ICJ SA ICJ case Magwenya dismissed those who questioned why South Africa had taken Israel to the ICJ after the attack on the school.. 'And then the temerity of those telling us we shouldn't have launched a case at the ICJ. Silence and inaction are not options. May their souls rest in peace'. And then the temerity of those telling us we shouldn't have launched a case at the ICJ. Silence and inaction are not options. May their souls rest in peace. — Vincent Magwenya 🇿🇦 (@SpokespersonRSA) June 27, 2025 In its initial application, South Africa submitted an 84-page application at the ICJ on 29 December 2023, pleading with the court to find Israel guilty of suspected genocide and order it to, among other things, halt its invasion in Gaza. Israel defiant Since launching the case at the ICJ, South Africa has approached the court four times, requesting interim measures to halt Israel's attacks on the occupied territory. Despite three orders being granted in South Africa's favour, they have had little to no impact on all forms of Israel's attacks on Palestinian life, essential services and the need for humanitarian aid. ALSO READ: SA won't drop ICJ case against Israel, even if Trump waives restrictions – Dirco Israeli soldiers 'ordered' to shoot Meanwhile, Israeli soldiers have deliberately shot at unarmed Palestinians seeking aid in Gaza after being 'ordered' to do so by their commanders, the Israeli newspaper Haaretz reports. Israel ordered an investigation into possible war crimes over the allegations by some soldiers that it revealed on Friday, Haaretz said. At least 549 Palestinians have been killed and 4,066 injured while waiting for food aid distributed at sites run by the Israeli-and United States-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), the Gaza Government Media Office said on Thursday, Al Jazeera reported. 'Killing field' According to the Haaretz report, which quoted unnamed Israeli soldiers, troops were told to fire at the crowds of Palestinians and use unnecessary lethal force against people who appeared to pose no threat. 'We fired machineguns from tanks and threw grenades,' one soldier told Haaretz. 'There was one incident where a group of civilians was hit while advancing under the cover of fog.' In another instance, a soldier said that where they were stationed in Gaza, between 'one and five people were killed every day'. 'It's a killing field,' that soldier said. Israel responds The Israeli army 'strongly rejected' the accusations in the report, according to a military statement published on Telegram. 'Any allegation of a deviation from the law or [military] directives will be thoroughly examined, and further action will be taken as necessary. The allegations of deliberate fire toward civilians presented in the article are not recognized in the field,' it said. ALSO READ: SA among 38 countries to present at ICJ hearings on Israel's actions
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Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Business
- Business Standard
Trump signals Gaza ceasefire 'close,' likely in a week amid renewed talks
Trump signals a possible ceasefire in Gaza within days, though Israel and Hamas remain at odds as US and regional efforts to end hostilities intensify Apexa Rai New Delhi President Donald Trump on Friday said a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict could be 'close', possibly within the next week, as diplomatic efforts around the region continue to intensify. 'I just spoke with some of the people involved. It's a terrible situation that's going,' Trump told reporters at the White House. 'And we think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire, and we're supplying, as you know, a lot of money and a lot of food to that area.' He did not elaborate on who he spoke to or provide details of a potential agreement. 'We're involved because people are dying,' Trump added. Earlier in the week, French President Emmanuel Macron said Trump was actively pursuing a ceasefire. 'I felt that President Trump was very determined, very resolute, aware of the importance of a ceasefire, and I think his commitment is essential on this issue,' Macron said in Brussels. 'I know that his team is engaged in ongoing discussions.' Talks underway, but details unclear The remarks came shortly after a ceasefire was reached in the 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Israel has estimated the damage from that war at 10 billion shekels ($3 billion), with funds needed to repair missile-hit buildings and compensate affected businesses. The figures were released by Israel's finance ministry and tax authority, highlighting the extent of damage sustained during nearly two weeks of Iranian rocket fire. Trump has previously said he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the recent Israel–Iran conflict. However, there has been little public indication that Israel or Hamas are moving closer to any new ceasefire deal. Hamas has stated it is open to releasing remaining hostages in Gaza as part of a deal to end the war. Israel, however, insists that hostilities can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled – a condition Hamas rejects. The war in Gaza began on 7 October 2023, when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a military assault that Gaza's health ministry says has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The offensive has displaced the entire population of Gaza and triggered severe hunger and international legal action, including genocide allegations at the International Court of Justice and war crimes claims at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies all such accusations. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no further information beyond Trump's remarks. Witkoff played a role in helping aides of former President Joe Biden broker a previous ceasefire and hostage deal before Trump assumed office in January. That agreement soon collapsed. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer is set to travel to Washington on Monday for meetings with Trump administration officials. Talks are expected to cover Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu. Netanyahu, commenting on the aftermath of the Israel–Iran conflict, said on Thursday that it had created fresh diplomatic possibilities. 'This victory presents an opportunity for a widening of peace agreements. We are working with enthusiasm,' he said. (With inputs from agencies)
The Advertiser
4 hours ago
- Politics
- The Advertiser
Gaza ceasefire is possible within a week, Trump says
President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste. President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste. President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste. President Donald Trump says he believes it is possible a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants will be reached within a week. Trump told reporters at the Oval Office that he believes a ceasefire deal is close. He said he had been just been talking to some of the people involved in trying to reach a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. "I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved," Trump said. "We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire." He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste.
The Star
5 hours ago
- Politics
- The Star
Hun Sen: I was betrayed first
SENATE president Hun Sen went live on Facebook just a day after warning that he would expose former Thai prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Speaking in Khmer, he delivered a combative message, claiming betrayal and threatening to reveal damaging information about the Shinawatra family. 'The time has come,' Hun Sen said. 'They have betrayed me. Today, I will speak on eight points.' He said further details would be shared with diplomats scheduled to meet him later that day, adding: 'If they want it today, I will expose the Thaksin family.' He began yesterday's livestream with the leaked audio clip of a June 15 call he had with Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, saying it was recorded intentionally. 'I recorded that conversation as I have been betrayed before,' he stated, justifying the leak. His second point was an accusation against Paetongtarn of deceiving him: 'Paetongtarn said it was just part of the negotiation tactic. But clearly, you don't know me at all.' He went on to criticise Thaksin for failing to instil values in his children: 'On June 14, Thaksin attacked me online. Meanwhile, the Thai Prime Minister disrespects her own military and monarchy. I will reveal the truth today. 'You may insult your own army and monarch, but you cannot do the same to me. It won't work.' Rejecting suggestions that his recording was illegal, Hun Sen said: 'There is no law preventing me from recording conversations. Why is the Thai Prime Minister afraid of a leaked audio clip?' 'If you want to take it to the International Court of Justice, go ahead. I'm in Cambodia. File your 5,000 complaints – I don't care.' He continued his tirade against the Thai leadership, accusing Paetongtarn of using a call centre crackdown as a pretext for hostile action and border aggression. 'As Thai Prime Minister, you shouldn't behave this way. You claimed you went to the border to tackle call centre scams, but you ordered the border closed starting on June 7 and extended the shutdown further,' he said. 'You closed the border under the guise of suppressing scams, when in fact your intention was aggression. 'I have always said online fraud is far from over – we need cooperation to address it. So why are you using it to attack Cambodia?' He asserted that Cambodia had exercised patience for the sake of bilateral ties, while suggesting that Thailand had been the one backing criminal groups operating along its borders with Myanmar and Laos. In response, Thai Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said he had not listened to Hun Sen's livestream and had no intention of doing so, describing the latter's remarks as inconsistent. 'I don't see the point in listening. Much of what he says contradicts itself, like his claims about border closures,' Phumtham said. 'If he was sincere or honest about his actions, he would have spoken clearly. Besides, I don't understand the language, so why bother?' When asked about the potential release of audio clips that would expose sensitive issues involving Thailand, he remained unfazed. 'I'm not interested. It has nothing to do with the Thai government. We don't even know what his actual motives are. But what's clear is that he's engaged in information warfare and psychological games,' he said. 'Everything he's doing is aimed at weakening the Thai government's credibility and capacity. If our government becomes unstable, Mr Hun Sen stands to benefit, whether in territorial disputes or negotiations.' Phumtham insisted that Thailand remains firmly committed to legality and transparency. Asked whether the Thai government would take legal action, he said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies were monitoring the situation. 'If there is any breach of international law that affects Thailand, we'll take appropriate legal steps,' he said. — The Nation/ANN
West Australian
7 hours ago
- Politics
- West Australian
Donald Trump news: US President predicts Gaza ceasefire ‘within a week', talks with Israel and Hamas intensify
US President Donald Trump has expressed optimism that a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hamas militants could be achieved within the next week. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said a deal between Israel and Hamas may be imminent. He added that he had recently spoken with individuals involved in the ongoing negotiations to halt hostilities in the region. Hamas has said it is willing to free remaining hostages in Gaza under any deal to end the war, while Israel says it can only end if Hamas is disarmed and dismantled. Hamas refuses to lay down its arms. The war in Gaza was triggered when Hamas-led militants attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Gaza's health ministry says Israel's post-October 7 military assault has killed over 56,000 Palestinians. The assault has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza's entire population and prompted accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice and of war crimes at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies the accusations. Interest in resolving the Gaza conflict has picked up steam in the wake of the US and Israeli bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities. A ceasefire to the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict went into effect early this week. 'I think it's close. I just spoke to some of the people involved,' Mr Trump said. 'We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire.' He did not say who he has been talking to, but he has told reporters he was in near-daily contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the Israel-Iran conflict. Mr Trump's surprise prediction of a possible ceasefire deal in coming days came at a time when there have been few signs that the warring parties were ready to restart serious negotiations or budge from entrenched positions. A spokesperson for US special envoy Steve Witkoff's office said they had no information to share beyond Mr Trump's comments. Witkoff helped former President Joe Biden's aides broker a ceasefire and hostage release agreement shortly before Mr Trump took office in January but the deal soon unravelled. The Israeli embassy in Washington did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer plans to visit Washington starting on Monday for talks with Trump administration officials about Gaza, Iran and a possible White House visit by Netanyahu, according to a source familiar with the matter. Netanyahu said on Thursday the outcome of Israel's war with Iran presented opportunities for peace that his country must not waste. - with Reuters
