News 15:00

BULLETIN 12 January 3 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# The Israeli ministry criticises South Africa for ignoring the 7 October events
# Durban Container Terminal Pier 2’s performance is improving 
# And Cricket: SA Under-19 captain David Teeger is relieved of his role during the World Cup

# In a heated second day at the International Court of Justice, at The Hague in the Netherlands, Israel defends its actions in Gaza, claiming self-defence since Hamas’s 7 October attack which killed over one-thousand people. Israeli strikes since then resulted in 23-thousand Palestinian deaths and over 50-thousand injuries. Israel accuses South Africa of weaponizing the term genocide, stating its defence has broader implications. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ legal adviser, Tal Becker argues if anyone has suffered genocidal violence, it has been Israel:

Meanwhile, Israel contends that calls for provisional measures to end fighting in Gaza must be rejected, asserting its right to self-defence. In proceedings Israel argued for provisional measures against South Africa, alleging close ties with Hamas. The case, brought under the 1948 Genocide Convention, sees Israel’s legal adviser, Tal Becker, urging South Africa to leverage its relationship with Hamas to halt genocidal terror and secure the release of hostages:

# The Durban Container Terminal Pier 2 has seen an average of single-digit vessels at anchor in recent weeks. Managing executive, Earle Peters, attributes this to collaborative efforts with shipping lines, cargo owners, and employee commitment, ensuring uninterrupted operations. Peters also confirmed that original-equipment manufacturers offer ongoing technical support, providing crucial spares for equipment repairs. Despite weather disruptions, Peters assures contingency plans are in place, to alleviate pressure on customers who depend on the terminal’s services for value.

# Cricket: Cricket South Africa has removed the South African Under-19 captain, David Teeger, from his role, saying it is in the best interest of everyone, including the Jewish player. CSA says the decision was taken to avert potential conflicts between pro-Palestine and pro-Israeli protests during the upcoming Under 19 Men’s World Cup in South Africa. Cricket SA is expected to announce a new captain for the tournament shortly. The 15th edition, featuring 16 countries playing a total of 48 matches, is set to kick off next Friday. 

# And finally: New research from the University of Reading’s International Law division reveals that Israeli Defence Force actions in Gaza have left lingering chemicals from white phosphorus weapons, posing a long-term environmental threat. According to the university’s Saeed Bagheri, these chemicals could persist in the soil for years, adversely impacting crop growth in Gaza. Bagheri warns of devastating consequences for individual farmers and their communities, emphasising the urgent need for attention and remedial measures to address the pollution and mitigate its potential long-term impacts.

Stay tuned for more news………….