Judges at the highest court of the United Nations will deliver a verdict on Friday regarding South Africa’s plea to compel Israel to cease its military actions in Rafah and withdraw from Gaza.
This is part of a broader case accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
South Africa’s legal team urged the court last week to implement urgent measures, asserting that Israel’s attacks on Gaza’s southern city are imperative to prevent the extinction of the Palestinian population.
Decisions made by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, are definitive and obligatory, although they have been disregarded previously. Israel has consistently refuted claims of genocide, contending that its operations in Gaza are acts of self-defense directed at Hamas militants who initiated attacks on Israel.
An Israeli government spokesperson emphasized that Israel is resolute in safeguarding its citizens and pursuing Hamas in Gaza, regardless of external pressure. The Israeli military maintains that its actions in Rafah are conducted with precision and care, amidst the large number of Palestinians seeking refuge from Israeli attacks elsewhere in Gaza.
A ruling against Israel by the ICJ could escalate diplomatic tensions for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Furthermore, several European nations announced their intent to recognize a Palestinian state, while the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) filed for arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders.
The ICC focuses on prosecuting individuals for alleged war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, while the ICJ handles disputes between states at the United Nations.
The ICJ previously rejected Israel’s request to dismiss the case entirely and ordered measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and facilitate humanitarian aid, though it refrained from mandating a halt to Israeli military operations.
Israel initiated its offensive in Gaza following a militant incursion into southern Israel by Hamas-led forces, resulting in casualties and hostage-taking according to Israeli reports. Gaza’s health ministry claims that over 35,000 Palestinians have died since the commencement of the offensive.
