The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a ruling on Friday regarding South Africa’s request to stop Israel’s offensive in Gaza, specifically in Rafah. South Africa has asked the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to intervene in order to protect the Palestinian people and prevent further harm. This emergency measure is part of a larger case where South Africa accuses Israel of genocide.
Israel has strongly refuted the claims made by South Africa, arguing that they are not in violation of the Genocide Convention from 1948. Despite Israel’s objections, the ICJ has rejected their demand to dismiss the case and has ordered them to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians. However, the court has not yet ordered a halt to Israeli military operations.
South Africa has requested additional emergency measures to safeguard Rafah, where many Palestinians are seeking shelter. They have also asked for increased access to Gaza for UN officials, humanitarian organizations, journalists, and investigators. Israel launched its offensive in response to attacks by Hamas-led militants, resulting in significant casualties among Palestinians.
In a separate development, the prosecutor at the International Criminal Court (ICC) has requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense chief, and three Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes. The ICC prosecutes individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, while the ICJ handles disputes between states at the highest UN level.