In a landmark ruling, the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to take immediate measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The court issued two provisional measures in response to a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide in its military campaign against Hamas. Israel denied the allegations and criticized South Africa for questioning its right to defend its citizens. The order requires Israel to open more land crossings to allow the entry of essential supplies such as food, water, fuel, and medical aid into Gaza.
The court’s order also prohibits Israel’s military from taking actions that could harm Palestinians’ rights under the Genocide Convention, including hindering the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Israel has been involved in a conflict with Hamas since October 7, which resulted in a high number of casualties and a widespread humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The fighting has displaced over 80% of Gaza’s population, causing extensive damage and leaving many residents without access to basic necessities like food and water. The court mandated that Israel report back on its implementation of the orders within a month.
South Africa welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing the importance of protecting the Palestinians’ right to exist in the face of dire conditions in Gaza. Hamas, an Islamic militant group seeking Israel’s destruction, called for the ruling to be promptly enforced by the international community to prevent further suffering among the civilian population. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed gratitude to South Africa for taking legal action to hold Israel accountable for alleged genocidal acts committed during the conflict.
Israel, while allowing some humanitarian aid into Gaza, accused South Africa of exploiting the court’s ruling to undermine its right to self-defense and negotiate the release of hostages held by Hamas. The Israeli government pledged to continue promoting initiatives to facilitate aid deliveries to Gaza, despite challenges on the ground and Hamas’s efforts to control the distribution of aid supplies. Amid ongoing tensions with the United Nations and accusations against UNRWA for collaborating with Hamas, Israel has been working on plans to initiate aid deliveries by sea.
The court highlighted the urgency of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, stating that famine is setting in and causing deaths due to malnutrition and dehydration. Previous orders imposed on Israel were found insufficient to address the evolving crisis in Gaza, prompting the issuance of new directives to alleviate the suffering of the population. COGAT, the Israeli military body overseeing Palestinian civilian affairs, has been conducting pilot programs to facilitate aid inspections and deliveries through land crossings to reach affected areas in northern Gaza. The ICJ’s ruling underscores the pressing need for immediate action to prevent further loss of life and address the worsening conditions in the region.
