ICJ set to rule today on plea to halt Israel’s Rafah offensive
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is due to rule on Friday on South Africa’s request to order Israel to halt its military operation in Gaza, notably in Rafah, where the Israeli military is launching an offensive.
South Africa contacted the International Court of Justice last week, requesting a cease-fire in Gaza and a halt to Israel’s military campaign against Hamas in Gaza, which was prompted by the group’s cross-border attack on Israel on October 7 of last year. South Africa said that it was required to safeguard the existence of Palestinians in the coastal enclave.
This request is part of a wider case brought before the World Court by South Africa, which accused Israel of genocide.
Also read: Ireland, Norway, Spain recognise Palestinian state; Israel recalls envoys
What ICJ ruling could mean?
According to The Times of Israel, several Israeli news sites reported on Thursday that the Jewish state was expecting the outcome of the court, with authorities fearful that it may be a judgment to either halt the attack in Rafah or end the conflict entirely.
Notably, the ICJ, the highest UN court for state disputes, issues binding decisions but lacks the authority to implement them. However, the move has worldwide ramifications and might further isolate Israel’s supporters over its war with Hamas, which is nearing its eighth month.
The ICJ verdict might increase legal pressure on Israel after the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced on Monday that it was seeking arrest warrants for key Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as Hamas officials.
Before the ICJ verdict, an Israeli government official was adamant about his country’s military operation in Gaza. He stated, “No power on Earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza.”
Also read: Iran President Raisi’s Chopper found; no evidence of life: Iranian state TV
Airstrikes continue across Gaza
Meanwhile, health officials and Hamas media said that 60 Palestinians were killed in aerial and ground strikes across the Gaza Strip as Israeli forces engaged in close action with Hamas fighters in several locations of Rafah.
Residents reported that Israeli tanks drove farther into Rafah’s southeast sector, reached the city’s western neighborhood of Yibna, and continued to operate in three eastern districts.
Three US personnel sustained non-combat injuries while establishing a makeshift pier off the Gaza shore for a humanitarian aid camp, according to US officials, with one being admitted to an Israeli hospital in severe condition.
