South African lawyers present a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of planning to "destroy" Gaza, alleging genocidal intent from the highest state level. They call on the court to order Israel to cease military operations in Gaza. Israel vehemently rejects the accusations as "baseless." The court will deliver an opinion on the genocide allegation. Israel defends its actions, citing responses to Hamas attacks. Tensions rise as South Africa contends Israel's actions aim to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian group. The court's ruling, while not enforceable, holds significance in international relations.

Iran has announced the seizure of a ship, St Nicholas, accusing it of previous oil theft. The vessel, initially named Suez Rajan, was transporting 145,000 tonnes of crude oil from Basra, Iraq, to Turkey. Iran alleges this action is in retaliation for the ship's earlier violation, as the US had confiscated it in 2023 for carrying sanctioned Iranian oil allegedly sold by Iran's Revolutionary Guard to China. Tensions rise as the ship is transferred to Iranian ports. This incident follows tit-for-tat seizures in 2023, with the US seizing Suez Rajan and Iran responding by taking other tankers.

Ahead of closing arguments in Donald Trump's civil fraud trial, a bomb threat targeted Judge Arthur Engoron's home, who oversees the case. The threat followed Trump's outburst on Truth Social against the judge. The Nassau County Police deemed it unfounded, continuing the investigation. Engoron and court staff faced previous threats during the trial. This incident adds to the rising wave of threats against officials involved in legal challenges against Trump. The trial resumed unaffected by the threat, focusing on allegations of inflating assets in financing attempts, as detailed in NY Attorney General Letitia James' lawsuit.

Scotland plans to ban unlicensed XL bully dogs, aligning with UK legislation due to a surge in rehoming incidents. First Minister Humza Yousaf highlighted the decision amid concerns about XL bully dogs flowing into Scotland. The move follows recent regulations in England and Wales, implemented after attacks. Yousaf emphasized the need for public safety, hinting at a replicated legislation soon. The Scottish SPCA supports measures against irresponsible ownership rather than breed-specific bans. Decision details will be provided to the Scottish Parliament, addressing the recent influx and ensuring community safety.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called off its sixth planned medical aid mission to Gaza, citing heightened security concerns. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that requests to visit northern Gaza had not been approved, and security assurances were lacking since the agency's last visit on December 26. Intense bombardment, movement restrictions, fuel shortages, and disrupted communications are impeding aid efforts. The Israeli offensive, triggered by a deadly Hamas attack on October 7, has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million population, leaving homes and infrastructure in ruins. Despite a recent pledge to scale down the conflict, fighting has intensified, exacerbating shortages of food, water, and medicine. Currently, only 15 hospitals in Gaza remain partially functional.

Doctors working at al-Aqsa hospital, the only operating medical center in central Gaza, have warned of an impending "unmitigated disaster" as fighting encroaches. British doctors with Medical Aid for Palestinians said only a skeleton crew remains at al-Aqsa as heavy bombardment has forced mass evacuations. With over 600 patients still inside, including many who cannot be moved, the lack of staff puts lives at grave risk. The UN called for the hospital's protection under international law as the closest fighting has flared within just over a mile. Since October, over 23,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed as Israel presses its military campaign against Hamas.

Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu, viewed as a pro-China leader, meets President Xi Jinping in Beijing amid a diplomatic row with India. The visit follows tensions over derogatory remarks against Prime Minister Modi, leading to cancellations of Indian tourist reservations. Muizzu, accorded a red carpet welcome, praises China's Belt and Road Initiative in a speech. The nations reportedly sign a $50 million project for an integrated tourism zone. Seeking more Chinese tourists, Muizzu addresses the Maldives Business Forum. The visit aims to strengthen ties with one of their "closest allies and development partners," while India remains a significant tourism contributor.            

Despite pledging to scale back operations in Gaza earlier this week, Israel intensified airstrikes across the territory Wednesday. The attacks were focused in southern and central areas, including Rafah where 15 members of the Nofal family were killed overnight in an Israeli strike that demolished their home. Other towns reported heavy overnight bombardment as tanks moved deeper into civilian areas. Israel insists the ongoing military campaign is needed to eliminate Hamas, which killed over 1,200 Israelis in an attack last October. But the US has pressed Israel to reduce Gaza's civilian death toll, now topping 23,000. Visiting Ramallah Wednesday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated US support for a Palestinian state and PA reforms.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issues a dire warning, stating, "He (Putin) won't finish this (war), until we all finish him together," during a news conference in Vilnius. Zelensky stresses potential threats to neighboring nations, declaring, "Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Moldova may be next" if Ukraine doesn't withstand Russian aggression. Amid a delayed $100 billion aid approval, Russia resumes missile attacks on Ukraine, prompting Zelensky to assert, "The Russian president won’t calm down until he ruins Ukraine." In a bid for solidarity, Ukraine and Lithuania sign military cooperation agreements, while discussions on security guarantees unfold. Zelensky's Baltic tour aims to fortify alliances and address NATO integration.

US and UK warships successfully thwarted a substantial Houthi assault in the Red Sea, intercepting 20 rockets, drones, and cruise missiles. The Iranian-backed group's attack aimed at shipping prompted a stern warning from UK Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, who termed the actions "unacceptable," promising severe consequences. The Houthis, seeking to pressure Israel for increased Gaza aid, faced resistance as American and British forces downed 18 drones and three missiles. The HMS Diamond, hailed by the Royal Navy, played a pivotal role in repelling the largest Houthi attack in the Red Sea. Plans to designate Houthis as terrorists have waned.