In a landmark emergency ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The ruling came in response to a case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of genocide. The ICJ’s president, Nawaf Salam, stated that the situation in the Palestinian enclave had deteriorated since the court’s previous order for Israel to take steps to improve it. The court found that conditions had been met for a new emergency order.
According to the ICJ ruling, Israel is required to immediately halt its military offensive and any other actions in the Rafah governorate that could bring about the physical destruction of the Palestinian group in Gaza, either in whole or in part. The court also ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza to allow humanitarian aid to enter and provide access to the besieged enclave for investigators. Israel is expected to report back on its progress within one month.
The ruling was adopted by a panel of 15 judges from around the world in a 13-2 vote, with only judges from Uganda and Israel opposing it. While the ICJ’s rulings are final and binding, the court has no enforcement powers. Therefore, it remains to be seen whether Israel will comply with the order.
Israel has repeatedly dismissed the accusations of genocide, arguing that its operations in Gaza are self-defense and targeted at Hamas operatives who attacked Israel. The Israeli government has stated that it will not be deterred from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza. Israel’s legal team has argued that the offensive in Rafah is necessary to defend against the significant threat posed by Hamas.
The ICJ’s ruling adds to the growing international legal pressure on Israel to scale back or end its military campaign in Gaza. It also highlights Israel’s increasing isolation on the global stage, particularly since the offensive against Rafah began against the pleas of its closest ally, the United States. However, it remains to be seen how this ruling will impact the situation on the ground and whether it will lead to a change in Israel’s military operations.
The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in response to a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. The court’s ruling requires Israel to cease its military offensive, open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid, and provide access to investigators. While the ICJ’s rulings are final and binding, the court has no enforcement powers. Israel has defended its actions as self-defense against Hamas operatives and has dismissed the accusations of genocide. The ruling adds to the diplomatic pressure on Israel and highlights its increasing isolation on the global stage.
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