The International Court of Justice has issued an order for Israel to immediately cease its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
The request was filed by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide during its Gaza campaign.
Judges at the top United Nations court have directed Israel to halt its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and withdraw from the enclave. This decision marks the third time this year that preliminary orders have been issued by the 15-judge panel to reduce the death toll and alleviate humanitarian suffering in Gaza. Despite being legally binding, the court lacks the means to enforce these orders.
ICJ President Nawaf Salam stated that the provisional measures ordered in March did not adequately address the situation in the besieged Palestinian enclave, necessitating a new emergency order.
The judge emphasized that Israel must "immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the Rafah Governorate that may cause conditions of life for the Palestinian group in Gaza leading to its physical destruction, in whole or in part." He described the humanitarian situation in Rafah as "disastrous."
South Africa's legal representatives urged the ICJ in the Hague to implement emergency measures, arguing that Israel's attacks on Rafah must be stopped to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people.
In a previous ruling in January, the court directed Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza but did not order a halt in the fighting.
Israel has consistently refuted the accusations of genocide, asserting in court that its operations in Gaza are acts of self-defense, targeting Hamas fighters who attacked Israel on October 7.
An Israeli government spokesman stated before Friday's decision that "no power on Earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and pursuing Hamas in Gaza."
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