The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a directive halting Israel’s operation in Rafah, granting permission to investigate allegations of genocide in Gaza.
Held in The Hague, Netherlands, the ICJ comprises judges from 14 different countries, including one Israeli judge as part of the panel. During the proceedings, President of the ICJ, Nawaf Salam, presided over a plea from South Africa to cease Israeli military operations in Rafah, citing concerns over escalating humanitarian crises in Gaza.
The ICJ ruled, with a majority vote of 13-2, to halt the attacks and initiate investigations into the allegations of genocide in Gaza. The investigations are to be conducted by the United Nations, permitting the Israeli Fact-Finding Mission to partake, and mandating Israel to submit a report within one month.
The judges emphasized that Israel’s failure to take immediate action to end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, following the court’s directive on March 28, has further deteriorated the situation.
Nawaf Salam remarked that while the court had issued interim measures in March, Israel’s compliance has been lacking, necessitating further action.
South Africa had petitioned the court on December 29, 2023, alleging Israel’s violation of the United Nations Convention on Genocide, which both South Africa and Israel are signatories to. The treaty obliges signatory states to prevent genocide.
During the hearing, South Africa presented evidence suggesting that the military operation in Rafah is the final stage of genocide against Palestinians, asserting that the right to self-defense does not justify genocide and additional measures are needed to save Palestinians.
South Africa’s plea to the court was for immediate cessation of Israel’s attacks before further delay exacerbates the situation.