In a significant ruling, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to cease its military operations in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. This emergency ruling, in response to a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide, demands that Israel halt actions that could lead to the destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza.
The court, emphasizing the deteriorating conditions in the enclave, also instructed Israel to keep the Rafah crossing open to ensure the provision of essential services and humanitarian aid. The decision was made with a 13-2 vote, with opposition only from judges from Uganda and Israel.
This order follows a series of legal actions by South Africa accusing Israel of state-led genocide against Palestinians. While the ICJ has yet to rule on these broader accusations, it has previously mandated Israel to prevent genocidal acts and facilitate humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The court’s decisions are binding but historically have faced challenges in enforcement. The conflict, sparked by a deadly Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel, has resulted in substantial casualties, with over 35,000 Palestinians reported dead by Gaza’s Health Ministry amid ongoing Israeli military operations.
