The top court of the United Nations has instructed Israel to cease its activities in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza, and withdraw from the area, according to CNN. This order, issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands, came on Friday following a case brought by South Africa alleging Israel of genocide, citing a significant threat to the Palestinian population.
Judge Nawaf Salam, the president of the ICJ, stated, “Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah Governorate which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”
This decision, the third of its kind this year from the 15-judge panel, aims to reduce casualties and alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza. However, it’s essential to note that while these orders are legally binding, the court lacks enforcement power.
The ICJ emphasized the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza since its last provisional measures order in March. Judge Salam described it as “disastrous,” noting the displacement of around 800,000 Palestinians from Rafah following Israel’s military offensive beginning on May 7.
Despite Israel’s warnings for civilians to evacuate parts of the city before its operation, the court deemed these efforts insufficient to mitigate the substantial risk faced by the Palestinian population due to Israel’s incursion, as reported by CNN.
The court also expressed grave concern over the fate of hostages abducted by Hamas and other armed groups during the October 7 attacks in Israel. It urged for their immediate and unconditional release.
According to Al Jazeera, Israel launched its assault on Rafah, forcing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee. The operation disrupted aid routes, raising the risk of famine in the enclave.
The ICJ further ordered Israel to provide a progress report within one month regarding the measures instructed by the court. It demanded effective measures to ensure access for UN fact-finding missions to investigate allegations of genocide and the opening of the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian assistance.
Judge Salam warned that the situation could worsen if Israel’s operation in Rafah continues, as per indications from UN officials.
Israel vehemently condemned the ICJ’s order. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened a meeting with key cabinet members to discuss the ruling, as reported by CNN. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich rejected calls to halt the war, arguing that it would endanger Israel’s existence.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the ICJ’s decision as antisemitic, advocating for a more aggressive military approach against Hamas.
In a previous ruling in January, the ICJ instructed Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza but did not order a halt to the fighting. Israel denies accusations of genocide, asserting its operations in Gaza as self-defense against Hamas attacks.