Israel has been ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, Gaza, as reported by BBC. The court ruled that Israel’s actions pose an “immediate risk” to the Palestinian people. Judge Nawaf Salam, the current president of the court, emphasized the need for Israel to ensure unimpeded access into the Gaza Strip for inquirers to preserve evidence. Israel has been directed to submit a report on measures taken within one month.
The ruling follows a request from South Africa urging Israel to cease its military offensive in Rafah, citing allegations of genocide. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators outside the court advocated for a free Palestine. Israel has consistently maintained that its operations in Gaza are acts of self-defense against Hamas militants, with a government spokesman stating, “No power on Earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza.”
Earlier this month, Israel’s assault on Rafah triggered a humanitarian crisis, displacing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and severing vital aid routes. South African legal representatives petitioned the ICJ, arguing for emergency measures to safeguard the survival of the Palestinian populace.
While the ICJ lacks enforcement powers, its rulings carry significant weight in international disputes. This ruling addresses immediate concerns in Rafah, but broader allegations of state-led genocide against Israel remain to be substantively addressed by the ICJ.