ICJ Orders Israel to Immediately Halt Rafah Offensive on May 24

May 24, 2024, 01:12 PM

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague has issued an order for Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, Gaza, following a request from South Africa. The ruling, delivered on May 24 by a vote of 13 to 2, came after South Africa accused Israel of genocide and sought additional provisional measures to protect Palestinian civilians. The court emphasized the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Rafah and the immense risk to the Palestinian population, citing concerns over large-scale displacement and catastrophic living conditions. The ruling, delivered by Judge Nawaf Salam, also mandates Israel to maintain the Rafah crossing open and take steps to preserve evidence for any future UN commission of inquiry. Despite the ICJ's binding order, Israel is unlikely to comply, as it maintains its right to defend itself against Hamas militants.