Fact Check: Misleading video claims International Court of Justice declared Israel an illegal state
Know the truth about viral video
Bengaluru: A video circulating widely on social media platforms, particularly in local groups, is falsely claiming that the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has declared Israel an illegal state and decided that it should no longer be recognized as a sovereign nation.
The video, which shows Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al Maliki speaking, has sparked discussion and confusion online. However, the reality behind the video and its context is quite different.
The Origin of the Video:
The video in question is not new. It dates back to July 2024 and features a press briefing by Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al Maliki. In the video, Maliki describes a decision made by the ICJ as a "watershed moment for Palestine, for justice, and for international law." The video has now been repurposed with misleading claims that the ICJ has declared Israel an illegal state and that justice has prevailed for Palestine.
What the ICJ Actually Said:
The ICJ's decision in July 2024 did not declare Israel an illegal state or call for it to be unrecognized as a sovereign nation. Instead, the court's opinion focused on Israel's presence in the Palestinian-occupied territories.
The ICJ ruled that Israel's occupation of these territories is "unlawful" under international law and called for an immediate end to settlement construction, as well as the removal of existing settlements.
The court cited numerous Israeli policies as violations of international law, including the expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the exploitation of natural resources in these areas, and discriminatory practices against Palestinians. The ICJ stated that Israel has no right to sovereignty over these territories, which it occupied 57 years ago, and that its actions are impeding Palestinians' right to self-determination.
The Broader Context:
The ICJ's opinion was requested by the United Nations General Assembly following a Palestinian request and came in the context of escalating violence in the region. The decision coincided with Israel's military operations in Gaza, which had been triggered by Hamas-led attacks on southern Israel in October 2024.
In his briefing, Maliki emphasized that other nations have a responsibility to uphold the ICJ's findings, stating that no actions should be taken to support Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories. He called for the international community to recognize the obligations outlined by the court and act accordingly.
Israel's Response:
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had then condemned the ICJ's opinion, which, while nonbinding, carries significant weight in international law. Netanyahu argued that the territories in question are part of the historic homeland of the Jewish people and dismissed the court's findings as biased. D
Misleading Claims and Their Impact:
The video being circulated with false claims about Israel's status has the potential to mislead and inflame tensions. The ICJ's ruling was a legal opinion focused on specific actions taken by Israel in the occupied territories, not a blanket declaration on Israel's sovereignty or its status as a state. It is essential for viewers to be aware of the context and content of the ICJ's decision to avoid being misled by altered or misrepresented videos.
While the ICJ did issue a critical opinion regarding Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, it did not declare Israel an illegal state or call for its international derecognition. The video being circulated with these claims is misleading and does not accurately reflect the court's decision.
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Malayalam actor Rajesh Keshav in ICU after cardiac arrest
Kochi (PTI): Malayalam actor Rajesh Keshav is in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) after suffering a cardiac arrest on August 24, hospital sources said on Wednesday.
The 47-year-old actor, known for notable roles in various films and TV shows, was admitted to the hospital on Sunday night after collapsing at a city hotel.
He was first taken to the Emergency Department and successfully revived through immediate resuscitation, the hospital said in a statement.
Keshav was then shifted to the Cath Lab, where an emergency angioplasty was performed, it said, adding that he had suffered a prolonged cardiac arrest, which resulted in a moderate hypoxic injury.
The Neuro Wing is closely monitoring his neurological recovery, and encouraging signs of progress are being observed, they explained.
"At present, he remains in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) under advanced life support," the statement said.
His condition is serious but showing gradual improvement, with a multidisciplinary team of doctors actively involved in his treatment, it added.
