UN court orders Israel to ceasefire in Rafah

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has instructed Israel to immediately stop its military attack on Rafah in southern Gaza, but did not mandate a complete ceasefire. President Nawaf Salam stated that the previous provisional measures were inadequate and a new emergency order was necessary to address the current situation in Gaza. Additionally, the court ordered Israel to open the Rafah border crossing for humanitarian aid to enter the region.

Warnings from UN officials about the severe consequences of Israel’s actions in Rafah were cited by Salam. Over 800,000 people have fled the city since the start of the Israeli offensive two weeks ago. South Africa brought the case to the ICJ as part of its broader accusation of Israel orchestrating a genocide against the Palestinian people, although a ruling on the substance of this claim is pending.

The ICJ also demanded that Israel allow access to the enclave for any UN investigative mission looking into the genocide allegations. While Israel may not comply with the ruling, it will face increased international pressure and criticism. Both Hamas and the Palestinian Authority have expressed approval of the court’s decision, while the US, a close ally of Israel, has also criticized its actions in Gaza.