Israel must ensure unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza, ICJ rules

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel must ensure the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and refrain from violating the rights of Palestinians.

In a written statement issued by the ICJ, it was reported that new measures were ordered in South Africa's genocide case against Israel.

The ruling emphasized that the Israeli military should not violate the rights of Palestinians, classified as a "protected group" under the Genocide Convention, including not obstructing the urgently needed humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.

Famine strikes Gaza

The ICJ decision noted that since January 26, 2024, "the dire living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have further deteriorated, particularly due to the prolonged and widespread deprivation of food and other basic necessities," with famine overtly emerging in Gaza.

The ICJ reaffirmed the validity of the measure taken on January 26, calling for "the immediate and effective implementation of measures applicable throughout the entire Gaza Strip, including, but not limited to, the increase in capacity and number of land crossings, as well as the necessity of keeping them open as long as needed, to ensure unimpeded provision of necessary and effective measures to secure the basic services and humanitarian aid urgently needed, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene, as well as medical supplies and care, to the Palestinians in Gaza, in full cooperation with the United Nations and taking all necessary and effective measures without delay."

In the second measure, the ICJ ordered the Israeli army not to violate the rights of Palestinians in Gaza, who are a protected group under the Genocide Convention, including refraining from obstructing the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid.

In the third measure, the ICJ decided that Israel should report to the Court within a month on the measures taken regarding the additional measures.

South Africa calls for new ICJ measures against Israel

On March 6, South Africa requested new ICJ measures due to the hunger faced by Gazans.

South Africa urged the ICJ to change or urgently decide on the 6 measures against Israel that it had ordered on January 26, aiming to urgently ensure the safety and security of the 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, including more than 1 million children.

Source: Newsroom