THE HAGUE: The world’s top court has ordered Israel to ensure urgent humanitarian assistance reaches Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli bombardment continued Friday including around hospitals despite a binding UN Security Council ceasefire call.
Amidst ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a binding order to Israel, demanding urgent humanitarian assistance for the region.
In its order, the ICJ, based in The Hague, emphasized the dire situation in Gaza, stating that “famine is setting in” among the Palestinian population. This ruling follows a previous decision in January, where the court ruled that Israel must facilitate urgently needed humanitarian aid to Gaza and prevent genocidal acts. However, Israel rejected the case, which was brought forward by South Africa.
The latest order from the ICJ, while legally binding, faces challenges in enforcement. Meanwhile, Israel’s military confirmed ongoing operations in Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza’s largest medical facility, for the twelfth consecutive day.
Israel Continues Airstrikes in Gaza Despite UNSC Ceasefire Call
Throughout Gaza, the Palestinian health ministry reported dozens of casualties overnight, with Israeli airstrikes targeting residential areas. Among the fatalities were twelve persons killed in a home in the southern city of Rafah, which has been subjected to repeated bombings amid preparations for a potential Israeli ground operation against Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
The ICJ’s order mandates Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the supply of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medical supplies to Gaza.
Israeli airstrikes have led to widespread destruction in Gaza, with large parts of the territory reduced to rubble. Despite calls for an immediate ceasefire by the United Nations Security Council, fighting continues unabated. Humanitarian organizations report significant challenges in delivering aid to Gaza, with limited ground access and insufficient supplies reaching those in need.
