The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered this Friday, May 24, Israel to cease its military offensive on the town of Rafah, in the far south of the Gaza Strip, as part of precautionary measures aimed at preventing a crime of genocide in the Palestinian territory.
In its ruling, the UN’s highest court said it was “not convinced” that Israel’s evacuation measures were sufficient to protect Palestinian civilians. “Israel must immediately end its military offensive” in Rafah, declared ICJ President Nawaf Salam.
The International Court of Justice, ruling after a request from South Africa, also urged Israel to keep the Rafah crossing open for “unrestricted” humanitarian aid. The ICJ also ordered Israel to guarantee “unhindered access” to investigators mandated by the UN to investigate allegations of genocide.
The ICJ also calls for the “immediate and unconditional release” of people taken hostage by Hamas. The Court “considers it deeply worrying that many of these hostages remain in captivity and reiterates its call for their release.”
“Firm” decisions greet South Africa
The court ruled after a request from South Africa, which wanted the International Court of Justice to order Israel to cease all its military operations, including in Rafah, and to facilitate access to humanitarian aid.
Following the judgment, the country welcomed the Court’s decision. “This is a set of interim measures that are much firmer in their wording and a very clear call for a cessation of hostilities,” South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor told national broadcaster SABC .
In January, the court ordered Israel to do everything in its power to prevent any act of genocide and allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. But South Africa believed that a new decision was necessary, taking into account the evolution of the situation, particularly in Rafah.
Netanyahu to consult his ministers
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that he would bring together several ministers from his government for “consultation” during a conference call.
The ICJ’s decision comes days after a historic request from the International Criminal Court prosecutor who sought arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister and three Hamas leaders for alleged crimes committed in the Gaza Strip and Israel.
War has raged between Israel and Hamas since an unprecedented attack launched on October 7, 2023 by Hamas, during which more than 1,170 people died.
The vast offensive launched in response by Israel ravaged the Gaza Strip, where at least 35,800 people were killed, according to data from the Hamas government’s Ministry of Health.
Original article published on BFMTV.com
