ICJ Orders Israel

Hi Global Recap readers,

Would you believe it, we’ve already reached the end of January.

It feels like it was only yesterday when I wish you all a happy new year.

I guess time does fly when you are keeping up with all the conflicts around the world.

Here’s to a restful weekend to you! 🍻

🌐 Around the world:

• 🇮🇱 Israel ordered by ICJ.

• 🛬 Russian elites warned.

• 🚀 Houthi rebels target US warship.

• 🇨🇳 China to Houthis: Stop it.

• 🇭🇺 Hungary’s NATO holdup is frustrating the US.

Let’s get into today’s news.

🇮🇱 Israel’s Genocide Case

In the ongoing case of South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has provisionally directed Israel to minimize casualties and destruction from its attacks.

• Ruling: However, the court did not order a ceasefire.

• Rejection: Israel dismissed the genocide claims as “outrageous” and vowed to continue its war.

• Identity: South Africa’s ruling party, the ANC, has long compared Israel’s policies to its own history of apartheid.

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🛫 Russian Elites Warned

We previously brought you news of a plane crash that tragically claimed the lives of all 65 captive Ukrainian soldiers on it.

• With Russia laying blame on Ukraine, and

• Ukraine pushing for a more thorough investigation.

Now, a startling revelation has come to light.

• Luck? It turns out that high-ranking Russian officials were scheduled to be on that ill-fated flight.

• Last-Minute Change: Officials were reportedly stopped from boarding “at the last moment” by their security services.

• Claims: Ukraine suggests Russia may have used PoWs as human shields.

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🚀 Houthi Rebels Target US Warship

It seems like the Houthi leader wasn’t bluffing when he said he’s honored to fight the United States.

On Friday, a US destroyer had to shoot down a missile fired by Yemen’s Houthi rebels in the Gulf of Aden. The attack was the latest in a series of assaults by the Iranian-backed group on shipping in the region.

• Stakes: The Houthi assaults are a looming menace to international commerce and security in a crucial maritime corridor.

• Commerce: Just as the world was beginning to breathe a sigh of relief with inflation finally showing signs of easing, this development comes as an unwelcome piece of news.

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🇨🇳 China to Houthis: Stop It

China’s Foreign Ministry calls for a halt to Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping. This follows Beijing’s request to Tehran to help control the rebel group.

• Concern: “We are concerned about rising tensions in the Red Sea,” says spokesman Wang Wenbin.

• Request: China urges the cessation of attacks against civilian ships. Chinese officials have reportedly asked Iranian counterparts to intervene with the Houthis.

• Impatience: Signs of China’s growing impatience are evident, with its UN envoy and Defense Ministry spokesman both calling for an end to the attacks.

Maybe China’s concerned about inflation and high freight costs?

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Hungary

Hungary’s NATO Holdup Is Frustrating the US

🇺🇸 Lone Nation. After months of stalling Turkey has finally ratified Sweden’s NATO membership.

• However, there’s one country that still hasn’t done it - Hungary.

• And the US isn’t too happy.

🇭🇺 Hungary’s Hesitation. Despite Turkey’s recent approval of Sweden’s NATO membership, Hungary remains the only country in the 31-member alliance yet to ratify the Swedish bid. 

• The Hungarian parliament’s failure to vote on the matter has raised eyebrows and questions about the motivations of its Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán.

🤔 Why It Matters. The delay is causing frustration among NATO allies and the US ambassador to Hungary, David Pressman, even labeled Orbán’s foreign policy as a “fantasy.”

• Pressman has also warned that Budapest is “really alone” and needs to live up to its commitment.

🇸🇪 Sweden’s Stance. Despite the delay, Sweden’s Prime Minister, Ulf Kristersson, has accepted an invitation for discussions from Orbán. However, he has indicated that he will not be negotiating over the country’s NATO membership.

🌍 Global Implications. Hungary’s delay in ratifying Sweden’s NATO membership is seen as a worrying sign, especially considering Hungary’s recent decisions such as blocking EU financing for Ukraine, holding talks with Vladimir Putin, and resisting efforts to diversify away from Russian energy.