The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel must halt its offensive in Gaza’s Rafah, following a plea from South Africa.

The court issued a ruling in January that Israel must do everything to prevent genocidal acts being committed in Gaza, but stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.

However, South Africa argued that Israel’s recent ground attack in Rafah, preceded by months of bombardment, changed the situation on the ground and should compel the court to issue fresh emergency orders.

ICJ President Nawaf Salam said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was now “disastrous” and said earlier measures issued were insufficient.

  • @cosmicrookie
    link
    English
    824 days ago

    The court is the highest UN body for hearing disputes between states. Its rulings are final and binding but have been ignored in the past, reports Reuters. The court has no enforcement powers.

    • @LinkerbaanOP
      link
      English
      1824 days ago

      Correct but this does put pressure on the international community to sanction israel if it continues to violate this order.

      • @FlowVoid
        link
        English
        023 days ago

        Just like the international community is sanctioning Japan because they are violating an ICJ order to stop hunting whales.