ICJ orders Israel to stop Rafah military assault

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel on Friday to immediately halt the Rafah operation.

The ICJ described the situation in Rafah as ‘disastrous’ and mandated that Israel submit a report detailing the measures it has taken within one month.

Additionally, Israel has been directed to open the Rafah crossing for humanitarian aid and ensure unhindered access for officials investigating genocide claims in Gaza.

This ruling came in response to a plea from South Africa, which accused Israel of “genocide” and requested an immediate stop to the military offensive in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid.

Israel argued against the request, stating that a ceasefire would enable Hamas fighters to regroup and hinder efforts to recover hostages taken in their October 7 attack.

In a significant ruling in January, the court had previously ordered Israel to take all necessary actions to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza but stopped short of mandating a ceasefire.

South Africa contends that the recent Israeli operations in Rafah have altered the situation on the ground, necessitating new emergency orders from the court.

The ICJ, which adjudicates disputes between countries, has legally binding orders, but it lacks direct enforcement capabilities. For instance, it ordered Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine without success.

This ICJ ruling coincides with a landmark request by the lead prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to seek arrest warrants for senior Israeli and Hamas leaders.