The 190-second clip, compiled from footage filmed by the militants on the day of the attack, shows five young women in civilian clothes, some bruised and bloodied, lined up against a wall before being pushed into a jeep. The women, who Israel confirmed are military personnel, were kidnapped when Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200 people.
In a statement, Hamas said the video showed “deliberate distortions” and dismissed the women’s injuries as “something to be expected.” The statement didn’t address the talks.
ICJ ruling today
The International Court of Justice will rule on Friday on South Africa’s request to order a halt to Israel’s Rafah offensive in Gaza, it said on Thursday. Last week, South Africa had asked the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to order a halt to Israel’s offensive in Gaza, and in Rafah in particular, saying this was necessary to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people.
The demand for such an emergency measure is part of a larger case brought before the Hague-based court by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide.
An Israeli government spokesman, speaking in Jerusalem ahead of the decision, said: “no power on Earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza.”
ICJ decisions have in the past been ignored. The UN legal body has no way to enforce its decisions, but they carry international weight. A ruling against Israel could add to its political isolation after recent setbacks.
