News 16:00

 BULLETIN 12 January 4 pm

Good afternoon. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Israel says Hamas’s atrocities constitute its right to protect itself
# Durban Container Terminal Pier 2’s performance is improving
# And Tennis: South African Lloyd Harris qualifies for the Australian Open

# International law expert Malcolm Shaw claims understanding Israel’s actions in Gaza requires considering Hamas’s October 7 attack. He is representing Israel’s defence against South Africa’s genocide claims at the International Court of Justice in The Hague in the Netherlands. While acknowledging that Hamas’s attack does not grant Israel the right to violate international law, Shaw argues it does authorise Israel to defend itself under humanitarian law. He deems genocide charges the epitome of evil, cautioning against losing their essence if wrongly asserted:

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice of the State of Israel argues that Israel has been unfairly accused of atrocities in Gaza by Hamas. Israel is countering South Africa’s genocide case, where accusations of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention were presented. Presenting visual evidence, including images of schools and hospitals used by Hamas, Israel’s legal counsel, Galit Raguan argues Hamas routinely uses civilian sites to launch rockets:

# 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.

# Greece is set to legalise same-sex marriages and adoption. Prime minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis made the announcement this week stating that same-sex weddings will be civil unions, not conducted in churches. Mitsotakis emphasises that the bill will not alter existing assisted reproduction rules, limiting surrogacy parenthood to single women and straight couples. Mitsotakis says this marks a notable step forward in promoting inclusivity and equal rights in Greece.

# Tennis: South Africa’s Lloyd Harris has qualified for the main draw of the Australian Open when he won his third match in the qualifying rounds. He beat Hugo Gaston of France this morning to set up an encounter with another Frenchman, Quentin Halys, in the first round in Melbourne on Sunday. Harris achieved his highest career ranking of 31 in September 2021, but several injuries made him fall back to 149th. His best Grand Slam achievement came at the US Open in 2021 where he reached the quarterfinals.

# And the financial indicators: The dollar trades at 18-rand-67-cents and the euro at 20-rand-44-cents. One British pound costs 23-rand-76-cents and Bitcoin trades at 46-thousand-20-dollars-92-cents. Gold sells at two-thousand-and-48-dollars-39-cents a fine ounce and Brent crude oil is quoted at 80-dollars-8-cents a barrel.

Stay tuned for more news………….