The Latest | Israel must open more land crossings for Gaza aid, UN court says
Associated PressIn a legally binding order, the top United Nations court says Israel must open more land crossings into Gaza for food, water, fuel and other supplies. The International Court of Justice issued two new so-called provisional measures Thursday in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of acts of genocide in its war in Gaza — charges Israel strongly denies. Benny Gantz, Netanyahu’s top political rival and a centrist member of the war cabinet, praised the court’s decision, saying it recognized “the need for everyone in our society to take part in the right to serve the country.” SYRIAN ARMY SAYS ISRAELI STRIKE NEAR DAMASCUS WOUNDS 2 CIVILIANS DAMASCUS, Syria - The Syrian army says an Israeli airstrike Thursday on a suburb of the capital Damascus wounded two civilians and caused material damage. NETANYAHU SAYS CIVILIANS IN RAFAH CAN ‘JUST MOVE’ AWAY FROM AN ISRAELI GROUND INVASION TEL AVIV, Israel — Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel has downplayed U.S. fears of a humanitarian catastrophe if Israel launches a planned ground invasion into Gaza’s southernmost city, saying civilians would be able to flee the fighting into other parts of the war-torn territory. Netanyahu suggested that the dispute over Rafah was just another in a series of disagreements between the allies and that he “appreciates” President Joe Biden’s support, but that Israel will act alone “if we have to.” Israel’s military has said it plans to direct the civilians to “humanitarian islands” in central Gaza ahead of the planned offensive.