The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ highest judicial body, has issued a directive demanding Israel cease its controversial military operation in Rafah, a southern city in Gaza.
The ruling adds to mounting international pressure on Israel regarding its conflict with Hamas.
Judge Nawaf Salam, ICJ President, stated on Friday that Israel must immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah to prevent conditions that could lead to the physical destruction of the Palestinian group.
“Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in Rafah which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part,” Judge Salam said.
The court classified the humanitarian situation in Rafah as “disastrous,” with UN officials warning of further deterioration if Israeli operations persist.
Israel commenced a limited ground offensive in Rafah on May 7 despite international calls, seizing control of the city’s border crossing with Egypt, which has since remained closed.
The crossing served as a crucial entry point for humanitarian aid. Before the offensive, over a million Palestinians sought refuge in Rafah, but around 800,000 have been displaced since.
The ICJ found Israel’s evacuation and living conditions inadequate to alleviate the immense risk faced by the Palestinian population.
While ICJ rulings are final and binding, enforcement mechanisms are lacking, and past rulings have been disregarded.
South Africa filed an urgent request for additional measures against Israel on May 10, accusing it of endangering civilian lives through forced evacuation orders in Rafah. This request is part of a broader case by South Africa alleging Israeli genocide against Palestinians during the conflict.
Israel’s Deputy Attorney General for International Law, Gilad Noam, refuted the allegations at the ICJ last week, urging respect for Israel’s situation.
Meanwhile, pressure mounts on Israel to end the Gaza war, with the International Criminal Court seeking arrest warrants for Hamas leaders and Israeli officials on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Additionally, families of Israeli hostages in Gaza intensified calls for their return, releasing distressing footage of abducted female IDF members.