GAZA, (PIC)
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its decision on the urgent request submitted by South Africa regarding the situation in Rafah, stressing that “Israel remains bound to comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, including ensuring the security of the Palestinians in Gaza.”
The top UN court said, “The most recent developments in the Gaza Strip and in Rafah particularly, would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences,” noting that “the perilous situation in Gaza demands immediate and effective implementation of the measures referred to in the Order issued on January 26.”
“The Court emphasizes that the State of Israel remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and with the said Order, including by ensuring the safety and security of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” it added.
The South African government submitted an urgent request to the ICJ to consider whether the decision announced by Israel to expand its military operations in Rafah, the last refuge for survivors in Gaza, demands that the court use its authority to prevent further imminent violations of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.
South Africa said, in a request submitted to the court on Monday, it is deeply concerned that the unprecedented military attack on Rafah has already led to more widespread killing, harm and destruction.
Since October 7, the Israeli occupation army has been waging its aggression against the Gaza Strip, leading to the killing of 28,775 citizens and the injury of 68,552 others, in addition to the displacement of more than 85 percent (about 1.9 million people) of the Strip’s population, according to the Strip’s authorities and international bodies and organizations.
