ICJ Orders Israel to Immediately Halt Rafah Offensive Amid Genocide Accusations by 13 Judges

May 24, 2024, 04:26 PM

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued an order for Israel to immediately halt its military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. This ruling comes in response to an emergency motion filed by South Africa under the UN Genocide Convention, which accuses Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza. The ICJ's decision, supported by a vote of 13 judges to 2, cites the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Rafah as 'disastrous' and demands that Israel allow unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and investigators, withdraw troops, and open the Rafah crossing. Despite the ruling, Israel maintains its right to defend itself against Hamas militants and is unlikely to comply with the court's order. ICJ President Nawaf Salam emphasized the necessity of these measures.