The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued new provisional measures against Israel this Thursday after South Africa presented a second request to the court on March 6 due to the famine situation in the Gaza Strip.
South Africa’s brief asked the ICJ for new precautionary measures or a modification of previous ones in order to “guarantee the safety of 2.3 million Palestinians in Gaza, including more than one million children.” Likewise, it denounced Israel’s “continuous violations” of the measures previously issued.
The court has thus determined that Israel must “adopt all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay” and in coordination with the United Nations, “the unhindered and large-scale supply” of humanitarian aid. This includes food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation, as well as medical supplies and care.
Likewise, in its decision it has indicated that it is necessary to “increase the capacity and number of land crossings” for the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gazan population throughout the Strip, as well as “keep them open for as long as necessary.”
Likewise, it urges Israel to “ensure with immediate effect that its Armed Forces do not commit acts that could constitute a violation of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza”, including any measure that prevents the delivery of humanitarian assistance. Finally, it asks you to submit a report within one month to report on compliance with the additional measures.
SOUTH AFRICA CELEBRATES THE DECISION
The South African Government has welcomed the decision and stated that “the impact of the International Court of Justice order is significant.” “The changing circumstances in Gaza justify the implementation of new strategies,” he added in a statement.
“These provisional measures complement those of January 26, which ordered Israel, among other things, to refrain from committing genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza and to prevent and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian people. Palestinian in the Gaza Strip,” he recalled.
Furthermore, South Africa has specified that, as several judges have already pointed out, “these responsibilities can only be fulfilled by ending military operations in Gaza and complying with the court’s directives.” “If there is non-compliance, the global community must ensure compliance with regard to the sanctity of humanity,” he concluded.
At the end of December, South Africa presented a complaint to the ICJ against Israel for alleged “genocide” of the population of the Gaza Strip, scene of a bloody military offensive that has already left more than 32,500 dead and was originally launched in response to some anticipated attacks by the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas).