February 14, 2024

*) South Africa requests ICJ to take action against Israel’s Rafah offensive

South Africa has urged the UN top court to assess Israel's plan to extend the Gaza offensive into Rafah for potential emergency measures, citing grave concerns about large-scale harm to Palestinians.

In January, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to prevent a genocide and help Palestinian civilians in Gaza, in a case initiated by South Africa.

The court has yet to give a final ruling on the issue, but the far-right Benjamin Netanyahu administration stresses that it will continue with the Rafah invasion.

*) UNRWA faces shutdown due to lack of funds in Gaza

The UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees, UNRWA, has warned of an imminent closure in besieged Gaza if funding decisions aren't reversed within weeks.

Director Marta Lorenzo stressed the urgent need for humanitarian aid amid hunger and disease, citing the International Court of Justice's call for immediate action.

She lamented UNRWA's limited time before operations cease, emphasising the potential exacerbation of humanitarian suffering.

*) CIA, Mossad chiefs, Qatar PM meet Egyptians on Gaza truce

US CIA Director William Burns, Israel's Mossad Chief David Barnea and Qatari PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani met in Cairo to discuss a Gaza truce with Egyptian officials.

The quartet meeting responds to mounting international pressure against Israel's Gaza onslaught while Israeli intelligence assesses Hamas's response to a proposed deal amid its ongoing war that has claimed over 28,000 lives in Gaza.

*) US House leader rejects Ukraine aid bill despite Biden's plea

US House Speaker Mike Johnson threw a wrench into vital support for Ukraine, blocking a vote on the $95 billion aid package already approved by the Senate.

Speaker Mike Johnson told reporters he has no intention even of allowing a vote on the bill.

The move ignores President Joe Biden's calls and raises international concerns about the US's commitment to Kiev facing Russia's aggression.

And finally…

*) UN: Distressing to see nations prioritising weapons over food, climate

UN Chief Antonio Guterres has criticised governments prioritising arms over global issues like the climate crisis and hunger and urges UN action to address the deadly nexus threatening international peace.

Climate chief Simon Stiell underscores the devastating links, emphasising the need for enhanced action.