The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to stop its military offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza. The court, based in The Hague, stated that the humanitarian situation in Rafah has “deteriorated further” and is now “disastrous.” This order follows an emergency request by South Africa, which accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in January.
ICJ President Judge Nawaf Salam announced the court’s findings on Friday, citing Israel’s obligations under the Genocide Convention. He stated that Israel must “immediately halt its military offensive and any other actions in Rafah that could lead to the physical destruction of the Palestinian group in Gaza.”
The court’s order is non-binding but highlights international concern over the conflict. Israel has strongly denied the accusations of genocide.
This development comes shortly after Ireland, Spain, and Norway announced plans to recognize the State of Palestine. Irish Taoiseach Simon Harris affirmed that his government will take “whatever steps are necessary” to support this decision.4o