The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a new order in response to a request from South Africa. In December, South Africa accused Israel of genocide in Gaza following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel. This led to almost 1,200 deaths and more than 240 people being taken hostage. Since then, over 32,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes and attacks, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
In response to these events, the ICJ has issued provisional measures stating that Israel must ensure aid deliveries to Palestinians in Gaza given the worsening conditions they face. This aid includes basic services and humanitarian assistance such as food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene, sanitation requirements, medical supplies, and medical care. Israel must work in full cooperation with the United Nations to provide this aid promptly.
The order also requires Israel to open more land crossings and maintain their operation for as long as necessary in order to facilitate aid delivery. Israel must also ensure that its military does not violate the rights of Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group under the Genocide Convention. This includes preventing the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.
The ICJ emphasized that Israel must submit a report on all measures taken within one month. The UN spokesperson reiterated that all Member States should abide by decisions made by the ICJ as it operates independently. The ICJ was established as the principal judicial organ of the UN under the UN Charter.