International Court of Justice sets new timetable for South Africa's genocide case against Israel
via The Namibian3 min read
The International Court of Justice has established a new timetable for South Africa's genocide case against Israel, extending proceedings until at least 2029. South Africa has until November 22, 2027, to submit its Reply to Israel's Counter-Memorial, filed in March. Israel will then have until May 22, 2029, to file a Rejoinder. This procedural order follows consultations between representatives of both countries and the Court's President. South Africa initiated proceedings in December 2023 under the Genocide Convention, alleging Israel's military campaign in Gaza constitutes genocide against Palestinians. The Presidency confirmed that this process of written pleadings is standard for cases under the Genocide Convention. Despite the lengthy timeline, the Court's binding provisional measures, issued since January 2024, remain in force. These measures require Israel to prevent prohibited acts, facilitate humanitarian aid, preserve evidence, and allow access for investigative bodies. The Presidency emphasized that these obligations persist regardless of the latest procedural developments. Israel has objected to the Court's jurisdiction in its Counter-Memorial, an argument South Africa will address in its Reply. South Africa maintains that "Self-defence is not a defence to genocide." The contents of Israel's filing remain confidential, and the Court has not yet considered the merits of South Africa's allegations. Oral hearings and a final judgment are still years away, highlightin
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Jalen Brunson led the New York Knicks with 30 points as they overcame a 14-point second-half deficit to beat the San Antonio Spurs 105-95 in Game One of the NBA Finals. The Knicks now hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series. Brunson, who briefly left the game in the first quarter with a knee injury, returned to score 13 points in the fourth quarter. Other Knicks players in double figures included Karl-Anthony Towns with 18 points, OG Anunoby with 17, and Landry Shamet with 13. For the Spurs, Victor Wembanyama scored 26 points but had a challenging shooting night, making 6-of-21 from the field. Stephon Castle contributed 17 points, while Dylan Harper and Julian Champagnie each added 16 points. The Knicks trailed 55-48 at halftime and faced a 14-point deficit in the third quarter before mounting their comeback. The score was tied at 76-76 entering the fourth quarter. After the Spurs briefly took a 95-94 lead with just over two minutes remaining, Brunson's three-pointer put the Knicks back in front, and they closed out the game with an 8-0 run.
Must ReadSeveral African governments are evacuating their citizens from South Africa due to spreading xenophobic protests and a looming June 30 deadline set by anti-immigrant groups for illegal immigrants to leave the country. Nigeria plans to repatriate between 2,000 and 4,000 of its nationals. Mozambique has already bused out 545 citizens and is prepared to evacuate more, following attacks on its citizens since May 29, primarily in Mossel Bay, which resulted in seven Mozambican deaths. Malawi announced it would also help its citizens leave South Africa, and Ghana recently airlifted 297 Ghanaians home with another flight expected. These governments are responding to a surge in attacks and the ultimatum from South African anti-immigrant vigilante groups.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, was defeated by Diana Shnaider in the French Open quarter-finals, ending her bid for a maiden French Open title. Sabalenka lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-0, stating she "couldn't really recover after the second set" mentally. Shnaider will now face Polish qualifier Maja Chwalinska in the semi-finals. Chwalinska, ranked 114th, became only the second women's qualifier in the professional era to reach the Roland Garros last four, overcoming 22nd seed Anna Kalinskaya 7-6 7/3, 6-3. In the men's tournament, Flavio Cobolli secured an all-Italian semi-final by defeating Felix Auger-Aliassime 4-6, 6-4, 6-4, 6-4. Cobolli will play fellow first-time Grand Slam semi-finalist Matteo Arnaldi, who advanced after Matteo Berrettini retired due to a hip injury while Arnaldi was leading 7-5, 5-2.
Must ReadThe Namibian government has temporarily suspended old-age grants for 15,825 beneficiaries whose names could not be verified against the National Population Registry System. This decision was announced in a joint statement by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Child Welfare and the Ministry of Finance. These suspended beneficiaries represent a portion of the 209,226 pensioners currently receiving old-age grants in Namibia. The ministries stated that this verification process is part of their efforts to maintain the accuracy of the social grants beneficiary list and aligns with verification measures used in social protection schemes. Affected beneficiaries are advised to visit their nearest regional gender ministry office or constituency office with their national identification document and birth certificate to have their grants reinstated in the next payment cycle. They will also receive back payments for the period their grants were suspended. The government assured that this measure is not intended to deprive deserving individuals of social protection, but rather to protect the integrity of the social grant system and ensure public funds reach their intended recipients.