Egypt to formally join South Africa's lawsuit against Israel in ICJ
Cairo: Egypt announced on Sunday its intention to formally join South Africa's lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement citing the escalating Israeli aggression against Palestinian civilians as the reason behind its decision to join the lawsuit.
Alon Liel, Israel's former foreign minister, described Cairo's sudden move as an "unbelievable diplomatic blow to Israel."
South Africa initially filed a lawsuit in January, requesting the ICJ to declare Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide and to order Israel to halt its military campaign in the region. Instead, the court issued a general order for Israel to ensure the prevention of acts of genocide.
The recent announcement from Egypt follows Israel's controversial entry into eastern areas of Rafah, bordering Egypt, where it seized control of the nearby crossing—a vital conduit for aid into the besieged Palestinian territory.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Israel's attacks against Palestinian civilians and highlighted the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, pushing Palestinians to flee.
In March, ICJ judges unanimously ordered Israel to ensure the timely arrival of basic food supplies and aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Egypt had previously joined the request for an advisory opinion from the ICJ on the legality of Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967.
Egypt emphasized the importance of Israel complying with its obligations as the occupying power and implementing the provisional measures issued by the ICJ to ensure access to humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza.
Furthermore, Egypt urged the UN Security Council and international stakeholders to take immediate action to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, halt military operations in Rafah, and provide necessary protection for Palestinian civilians.
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RCB beat MI by 18 runs after batters fire
Mumbai (PTI): Royal Challengers Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar, Phil Salt and Virat Kohli blasted half-centuries as the defending champions beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs in an Indian Premier League match here on Sunday.
Salt (78 off 36 balls) and Kohli (50 off 38 balls) stitched together a 120-run stand for the opening wicket before Patidar scored a rapid 53 off just 20 balls as RCB posted 240 for 4.
In response, Mumbai Indians were restricted to 222 for 5, with RCB spinner Suyash Sharma (2/47) putting the skids on the home side with a double strike in the eighth over, from which they could not recover.
Sherfane Rutherford top-scored for MI with an unbeaten 71 off 31 balls.
While opener Rohit Sharma appeared to be struggling with a hamstring issue and had to retire hurt on 19, his partner Ryan Rickelton made 37, while Suryakumar Yadav (33) and Hardik Pandya (40) were the other contributors for MI.
Brief scores:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 240 for 4 in 20 overs (Phil Salt 78, Virat Kohli 50, Rajat Patidar 53, Tim David 35 not out).
Mumbai Indians: 222 for 5 in 20 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 71 not out, Ryan Rickelton 37, Hardik Pandya 40; Suyash Sharma 2/47).
