In response to Israel’s latest offensive in Gaza, South Africa has requested additional emergency measures from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This includes ordering Israel to withdraw from Rafah, which is serving as a refuge for displaced Palestinians. South Africa has accused Israel of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians and the ICJ has previously ordered Israel to refrain from genocidal acts and ensure the safety of Palestinians. Israel has defended its actions as in accordance with international law and has criticized South Africa’s genocide case as baseless.
As Israel continues its military action in Rafah, South Africa has raised concerns about the humanitarian situation for Palestinians living in the city. It is reported that hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are living in dire conditions, and an Israeli ground offensive could lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. South Africa believes that the survival of Palestinians in Gaza is at risk due to the ongoing military operation in Rafah. It has requested that the ICJ issue orders to ensure the survival of civilians and allow unimpeded access for UN officials and humanitarian aid organizations into Gaza.
The situation in Rafah has escalated with Israel’s 401st Brigade entering the city following a ceasefire proposal from the Palestinian group governing Gaza. However, Israel did not find the proposal satisfactory and continued its offensive in Rafah. Tanks and planes have targeted several areas in the city, resulting in casualties among Palestinians. The UN has reported a large number of Palestinians fleeing Rafah, and the entry of aid into Gaza has been disrupted due to the closure of the Rafah border crossing by the Israeli army.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the offensive in Rafah as necessary to defeat Hamas. The death toll from Israeli attacks on Gaza continues to rise, with thousands killed and wounded. In response to the escalating violence, South Africa is seeking urgent intervention from the ICJ to address the situation and ensure the safety and survival of Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ has previously indicated provisional measures in the case, but South Africa is now seeking additional measures to address the ongoing crisis in Rafah.
The ICJ has been involved in the case brought by South Africa against Israel since January, when allegations of genocide against Palestinians were raised. The court has acknowledged the risk of genocide and issued provisional measures to prevent any genocidal acts. However, a second application for emergency measures concerning the threat to attack Rafah was rejected by the ICJ in March. While the court’s rulings are binding, enforcement mechanisms are limited, and it may take years for the case to be fully adjudicated. Despite the challenges, South Africa continues to pursue legal avenues to hold Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.
