On Jan. 26, the International Court of Justice accepted the genocide case brought by South Africa. In the acceptance, the court ordered the Zionist regime to take all measures to prevent the killing or wounding of Palestinians.

The court’s order says:

“The Court indicates the following provisional measures:

(1) By fifteen votes to two,

The State of Israel shall, in accordance with its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, in relation to Palestinians in Gaza, take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of this Convention, in particular:

(a) killing members of the group;

(b) causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group;

 (c) deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”

Following are responses from the Palestinian Resistance posted on the Resistance News Network:

Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine

Regardless of its direct disregard for the call to stop the aggression on the Strip, The Popular Front welcomes the decision of the International Court of Justice to accept the invitation presented by South Africa.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine welcomed the decision (https://t.me/PalestineResist/27364) of the International Court of Justice in The Hague regarding what it presented today on the urgent measures required to stop the genocide war against our people, expressing hope for the necessity of implementing these decisions and imposing their implementation on the zionist entity, starting legal accountability mechanisms for this occupation, considering it a brutal occupying force practicing all forms of massacres, killings, siege, displacement, and genocide, despite the fact that the authority to implement the ceasefire decision lies with the United Nations Security Council.

The Front stated: “Regardless of the fact that the International Court of Justice today did not issue a direct decision to stop the aggression on the Gaza Strip and our rejection of what was mentioned in the decision regarding the legitimate operation of October 7th against the brutal occupation, what was included in the text of its decisions today regarding the response to South Africa’s invitation is a historic decision, and a victory for justice and the Palestinian cause, especially since there is almost consensus from the court judges to proceed in considering the invitation presented by South Africa.”

The Front expressed its pride and honor in the Republic of South Africa for its great efforts in supporting the just struggle of the Palestinian people, calling for more solidarity and escalating activities to support our people and boycott the occupation, through the continuation of the global intifada of rage against the forces supporting the genocide war, affirming that all forces believing in justice and humanity should escalate their struggle against the system of brutality that exterminates our people from the imperialist powers that have violated our occupied Palestinian land.

The Front concluded its statement by affirming that the struggle is long to prosecute the leaders of the occupation and their partners in America, Britain, and others for their heinous crimes against the Palestinian people. It considered that this invitation presented by South Africa constitutes a step towards achieving this goal, despite the fact that the main bet today in facing genocide, massacres, injustice, and brutality should be on our people first, our Arab nation, and the free people of the world in light of the collusion and inaction of the international system, and their blatant bias towards the occupation.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine
Central Media Department
January 26, 2024

Hamas political bureau member Izzat Al-Rishq

The International Court of Justice’s acceptance (https://t.me/PalestineResist/27393) of the genocide case filed by South Africa, and the court’s rejection of “israel’s” request to dismiss it, is an important step towards justice for our people. It signifies the initiation of proceedings and procedures to hold “israel” accountable for its crimes, indicating that it cannot escape accountability. This marks a significant beginning in holding “israel” and all its supporters accountable for the genocidal crimes committed against our people.

The court’s adoption of the demand for urgent measures to protect our civilian people and to stop all acts leading to killing and genocide is an acknowledgment by the court of the magnitude of the crime committed by the terrorist occupation in the Strip.

We call for immediate action to oblige the occupation to implement the ruling of the International Court of Justice and to confront any zionist attempts to evade this obligation, and reject any attempts by the American administration, a partner in the crimes of genocide in Gaza, to circumvent the ruling.

We look forward to the International Court of Justice proceeding with its actions to try the zionist occupation entity for the fully-fledged crime of genocide that continues against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. This crime has not ceased or diminished even after the commencement of the trial sessions, but was accompanied by brazen zionist positions attacking the court and ongoing American positions washing the hands of the occupation from the blood of innocent children, women, and elders.

Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas

On the decision of the International Court of Justice:

The Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas welcomes the decision of the International Court of Justice in The Hague (https://t.me/PalestineResist/27364), which indicted the occupying state on charges of genocide, and demands that the occupation army protect civilians, lift the siege imposed on our people in the Gaza Strip, and respect its duties as an occupying force within the framework of international law and international humanitarian law. This decision means the cessation of all forms of aggression against our Palestinian people in Gaza.

We call on the international community to oblige the enemy to implement the court’s decisions and stop the ongoing “crime of genocide” against our people. We look forward to the court’s final decisions convicting the occupying state of committing the crime of “genocide,” war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This decision opens the way for enemy leaders to be held accountable for these crimes before the International Criminal Court, affirming the rights of our Palestinian people to self-determination, establishing their independent state, and returning to their lands and homes from which they were forcefully displaced, in line with international resolutions on this matter.

We in the Hamas movement appreciate the genuine position of the Republic of South Africa, its support for our Palestinian people and the justice of their cause, its sincere endeavor to repel the aggression against the Gaza Strip, and its rejection of the brutal crimes of the occupation. We also extend our thanks to all countries that have expressed their support for this noble humanitarian action.

Islamic Resistance Movement – Hamas

#Free Palestine – Stay in the streets

Baltimore Police & Baltimore City:
Divest from Genocide
Community Control of Police Now!

Demonstration & March
Saturday, January 27, 1 pm
Gather at Police Headquarters,
601 E. Fayette Street, Baltimore 21202

Demand Stop BPD’s relations with the “deadly exchange program”

And demand Community Control of the Police Now!

March to Ivan Bates office.

Join victims of police injustice including Tawanda Jones, Van Cherry Green and others.

Sponsored by: PPA, West Wednesday Coalition, Ujima Peoples Progress Party, Prisoners Solidarity Committee.

Thursday, January 25 – 12 Noon
Utah State Capitol, Salt Lake City

Salt Lake City, Utah: Join several community organizations who loudly oppose HB 257 and stand firmly with our transgender community. This bill is just the latest in a series of ongoing attacks against our transgender community that the Utah legislature has allowed to be introduced and is on its way to becoming law. But we will not be silent about it, and neither should you!
Meet us on the steps of the Utah State Capitol on Thursday, January 25th, at noon. Bring your signs, flags, and friends to make some noise! We understand that this bill may be voted on before Thursday, but this is a coordinated community effort, and we will not allow this transphobia to go unchallenged and unchecked, nor will we permit our trans siblings and neighbors to feel unsupported or unsafe in their own community.
As this will affect so many, we encourage and welcome all ages to join our rally and protest. This is one of many actions being planned by a number of groups, and we will continue to amplify other events and gatherings taking place, so be sure to show up and show out!
If your organization would like to sign on for this rally or if you’d like to speak, please DM us directly at the Nuanua Collective @nuanua.collective. We’ll see you at the Capitol! 🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️🏳️‍⚧️

https://www.instagram.com/p/C2WB395x-78/

Community members are mourning the death of Tawfik Abdeljabbar. The 17-year-old native of Gretna, Louisiana – a U.S. citizen – was murdered on Jan. 19 by an Israeli Occupation Force officer in the occupied West Bank, in the Palestinian town of Al-Mazra’a. The U.S. State Department has confirmed the killing.  

The young man was a student at the Muslim Academy Gretna Islamic School. The family returned to Palestine last year to reconnect with their relatives. Tawfik hoped to improve his Arabic and had college plans.  

On the night of Jan. 20, several hundred gathered for a vigil at Masjid Omar mosque in Harvey, Louisiana. A separate vigil was held at a family home. One attendee spoke to Struggle-La Lucha about the experience.

“The house was full, people in every corner, in every room. Some were crying and being consoled; others were consoling until it was their turn to be consoled.

“As I scanned the sea of faces, looking for Tawfik’s closest relative in order to pay my respects, every face in that sea was one I knew. These are the faces of the moms of the countless kids I’ve taught in my 17 years at Muslim Academy. I knew everyone. Instantly, I felt soothed, relieved that I was surrounded by people who felt this loss as deeply as I did.

“As I hugged each one, probably longer than I would have normally, my tears fell. The hugs tightened. I didn’t want to let go. These mothers understood me, understood the pain of loss. We birth these babies, raise the children, and nurture the youth in the security afforded to us by where we live. But when we go home, instead of security in the knowledge that we’ll see our children, the insecurity of IF we see our children becomes an ever-present thought. I cried.

“‘I didn’t see you this morning,’ Tawfik’s father cried at his side when he bid his boy a final farewell.

“It reminded me of the last time I saw Tawfik. ‘Have a great summer! Stay out of trouble!’ I advised him, knowing that going home (to Palestine) meant IF, yet safe in the assumption of ‘it couldn’t happen to someone I know.’

“I cried a little more. I thought about Khair, Tawfik’s younger brother, the child I taught for nine months, who I grew to love and nurtured through the year. I cried harder. But surrounded by my people, by our faith, by our shared resilience, and in the knowledge that death is not the end for our martyrs, gave me peace … for a while. Until I left, until I returned home, where my rage at the ongoing genocide of my people welcomed me home.”

Another NOLA Palestinian community member spoke to Struggle-La Lucha.

“This needs to stop — the murder, us in the U.S., funding these murders. I want the broader community to understand that this is not the first time this happens. Shireen Abu Akleh was a Palestinian with American citizenship, and she, too, was killed by the IOF.

“We should care, regardless of the citizenship a person holds. And the only reason we’re telling everyone this is a murdered child from our community is so that the next time you see your Palestinian friend or co-worker, you understand that this – the occupation — is a dark shadow in their life – and that it could be any of us killed.

“What would you do and/or say if this was your Palestinian American friend or colleague killed? Will you remain silent and pray for us in the quiet? I fear the disappointment that may come with this answer.

“I think the media coverage needs to get better. Media claims objectivity, and yet, the biased reporting that favors Israel shows otherwise.”

Struggle-La Lucha also spoke with Kevin Ericksen, a Louisiana State University employee in finance. Ericksen says that he has “a quarter century of trying to change American policy toward Palestine” behind him and associates with Faith Organizing for a Free Palestine. Some of the members attended vigils for Tawfik.  

“Americans know more than they let on. But they’re good at deflecting, always bringing it back to Hamas and how Hamas is the alpha and omega of this tragedy.

“But no more. We now realize that there are clear victims of the $10 million per day that America gives the Israeli military. 

“Until Troy Carter [U.S. representative for Louisiana’s second congressional district] flies over to Nablus or Jenin and sits in front of one of the mothers whose son was killed by American guns and looks her in the eyes and tells her why her son’s killing was necessary for American national security, until Troy Carter looks her in the eyes, we don’t want to hear from him or any news outlet about how evil Hamas is the cause of all this.”

We at Struggle-La Lucha say justice for Tawfik Abdeljabbar! In the name of workers and oppressed people here in the belly of the beast — who have no interest in upholding U.S. imperialism — we say end the occupation! Free, free Palestine!

Tuesday, January 23 – 6:00 p.m.
The People’s Forum, 320 W. 37th Street, Manhattan

Please join D19 for its virtual and in-person forum: For Democracy and the Refoundation of Honduras.

An event to celebrate two years of the electoral victory of the Honduran people. Accomplishments and challenges of the first female president in the history of Honduras, Companera Xiomara Castro de Zelaya.

With the participation of Congresswoman from the Libre Party, lawyer Silvia Ayala, and Libre Congressman, constitutionalist lawyer, Ramon Barrios. Also live music with Dominican musician and singer Nery Olivares.

Statement of Socialist Unity Party and Struggle-La Lucha for Socialism on the 100th anniversary of the death of V.I. Lenin.

Celebrations are ongoing across the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, marking 75 years of the Lao People’s Army. 

The army was founded on Jan. 20, 1949. By 1953 — along with allied Vietnamese forces — this army and the broad masses managed to drive out the French colonialists. By 1975, they kicked out the U.S. invaders, the world’s dominant capitalist power.  

The Socialist Unity Party and Struggle-La Lucha newspaper salute the people, party, state, and army of socialist Laos for these achievements. 

Laos demonstrates what a revolutionary people can achieve when they have a revolutionary state. That lesson is a pressing one for us today as the U.S. imperialists unleash terror in Palestine. The Palestinian people need a revolutionary state, too. 

The U.S. imperialists dropped 2 million tons of bombs on Laos between 1964 and 1973, making it the most bombed country per capita in the history of the world. This was a campaign of extermination directed, in no small part, by Henry Kissinger, who finally died this past November. It is an outrage that he was never tried for his crimes. 

Many bombs have yet to explode, with people being killed and maimed to this day. These bombs have killed some 20,000 since the end of the war in 1975. Half of the victims are children.  

Nevertheless, Laos progresses despite the odds. Today, landlocked Laos and China are connected by a high-speed rail line built through collaborative efforts between the two countries. The U.S. has no such lines. This is just one example of Laos’ continuing advancement.

New updated book

January 21, 2024, marks 100 years since the death of V.I. Lenin, the leader of the first successful socialist revolution in history, the Russian Revolution of 1917.

Newly released on this centennial is Gary Wilson’s “War and Lenin in the 21st Century.”

Vladimir Lenin, the revolutionary leader of the Soviet Union and a key contributor to Marxist theory, wrote “Imperialism, the Highest Stage of Capitalism” in 1916, more than a century ago. It is still one of the most influential critiques of imperialism.

After the first imperialist world war broke out, Lenin’s main interest was promoting a socialist revolution to end the war. To this end, he exposed the war’s economic roots and explained why the popular Social Democratic anti-war movement had crumbled.

Lenin identified imperialism’s key features: monopoly capitalism, finance capital, the export of capital, and colonialism, leading to the competitive division of the world among the imperialist powers.

Does Lenin’s analysis of imperialism hold up today?

20th-century imperialism brought about more wars, revolutions, and counterrevolutions than any preceding century in recorded history.

World War II ushered in a shift in imperialist relations. The United States emerged from WWII as the world’s most powerful imperialist country, gaining control of European and Japanese empires in Asia and Africa. It established the U.S. dollar as the international currency and engaged in endless wars to maintain what the Cubans call ‘The Empire.’

Unlike in 1914, the U.S. military-industrial complex dominates the imperialist world. Today, the Pentagon has more than 750 bases in more than 80 countries. The U.S.-commanded military alliance called NATO is an imperialist war machine dominating Europe and beyond.

Pentagon contracts are gutting the U.S. and NATO allies’ economies. The U.S. government’s budget is dominated by military spending, now almost $1 trillion a year. Military contracts drain the budgets of every NATO member. To pay for this war budget, services are cut, and austerity imposed; the working class is being impoverished.

As in Lenin’s time, the conclusion is that socialist revolution will end imperialist war, enabling workers to meet their own needs.

Get “War and Lenin in the 21st Century,” available now from Amazon, either as a paperback or Kindle.

On 13 January, the President of Namibia, Hage Geingob, criticized Germany for giving its backing to Israel in the genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) brought by South Africa. The President condemned Germany’s own role in committing genocide, a history that is not limited to its Nazi era but includes the internationally recognized genocide that Germany carried out in Africa at the beginning of the twentieth century.

Between 1904 and 1908 Germany waged a military campaign, in its colony of German South West Africa (Namibia), against the indigenous Herero and Nama peoples. The goal of the campaign was to exterminate these peoples and take over their lands. People were driven off their lands into the desert, where there was absolutely no means of survival. Germany killed tens of thousands of people.

It took till 2015 for the German government to even refer to the killings as genocide, but it still refuses to accept that this is genocide in legal terms so it can avoid international legal obligations to make reparations. It was only in 2021 that Germany issued some public expression of apology, but still, today, it will not fully resolve the reparations issues.

President Geingob’s statement about Germany’s support for Israel’s case at the ICJ was released here on X.

* * *

Namibia rejects Germany’s Support of the Genocidal Intent of the Racist Israeli State against Innocent Civilians in Gaza

On Namibian soil, #Germany committed the first genocide of the 20th century in 1904-1908, in which tens of thousands of innocent Namibians died in the most inhumane and brutal conditions. The German Government is yet to fully atone for the genocide it committed on Namibian soil. Therefore, in light of Germany’s inability to draw lessons from its horrific history, President @hagegeingob expresses deep concern with the shocking decision communicated by the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany yesterday, 12 January 2024, in which it rejected the morally upright indictment brought forward by South Africa before the #InternationalCourtofJustice that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in #Gaza.

Worryingly, ignoring the violent deaths of over 23 000 Palestinians in Gaza and various United Nations reports disturbingly highlighting the internal displacement of 85% of civilians in Gaza amid acute shortages of food and essential services, the German Government has chosen to defend in the International Court of Justice the genocidal and gruesome acts of the Israeli Government against innocent civilians in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

Germany cannot morally express commitment to the United Nations Convention against genocide, including atonement for the genocide in Namibia, whilst supporting the equivalent of a holocaust and genocide in Gaza. Various international organizations, such as Human Rights Watch have chillingly concluded that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza.

President Geingob reiterates his call made on 31 December 2023, “No peace-loving human being can ignore the carnage waged against Palestinians in Gaza”. In that vein, President Geingob appeals to the German Government to reconsider its untimely decision to intervene as a third-party in defence and support of the genocidal acts of Israel before the International Court of Justice.

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