The conflict has been ongoing for the past 100 days between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. As of January 1, 2024, Israel signals the intention to withdraw some troops from Gaza. On January 11, 2024, the International Court of Justice hears opening statements in a case where South Africa accuses Israel of a state-led genocide campaign.
For the past 100 days, Israel and Hamas have been engaged in a conflict in Gaza. It all began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen entered southern Israel from Gaza, causing chaos and resulting in the death of 1,200 people. In response, Israel launched retaliatory airstrikes on Gaza and imposed a total siege on the enclave.
The situation escalated on October 8 when Lebanon’s Hezbollah joined the conflict with cross-border shelling attacks against Israel. On October 13, Israel urged the evacuation of Gaza City, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Gazans.
A significant event occurred on October 17 when an explosion at Al-Ahli Al-Arabi Baptist Hospital in Gaza City stirred outrage. The cause was disputed, with Palestinians blaming an Israeli airstrike, while Israel claimed it was due to a misfiring Palestinian rocket.
The conflict saw various developments, including missile attacks from Yemen’s Houthi group in solidarity with Gaza and the launch of a broad ground offensive by Israel on October 27.
On November 21, a temporary truce was announced between Israel and Hamas, allowing for the exchange of hostages and detainees. However, the ceasefire collapsed on December 1, leading to renewed hostilities. Israel has bombed and attacked Gaza for 100 days straight, killing close to 32,000 people.
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As of January 1, 2024, Israel signaled its intention to start withdrawing some troops from Gaza, transitioning into a more targeted phase of the campaign. Simultaneously, the conflict expanded into new fronts, with international attention and criticism growing.
South Africa’s Brave Initiative
On January 11, the International Court of Justice heard opening statements in a case in a parallel development. South Africa accused Israel of committing a state-led genocide campaign against the Palestinian population. Israel has denied these accusations.
Though ICJ rulings are binding and cannot be appealed, the court has no enforcement powers, and cases are often returned to the UN Security Council. Where the US has veto power, which it has used 3 times since 7 October to support Israel’s bombing campaign.
The US and UK have bombed Yemen because it targeted Israel-bound ships. The Houthis have said they will continue to stop vessels from reaching Israel as long as it continues its genocidal bombing campaign on Gaza.
These 100 days are like hell on earth. We all should wish long-term peace and justice for our Palestinian Brothers and sisters.