In a decision rejected by Israeli officials, the UN Supreme Court on Friday ordered Israel to “immediately” halt its military attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, saying the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory was “disastrous”.
The ruling read by Judge Nawaf Salam of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague was in response to an urgent request from South Africa.
South Africa justified its request to the International Court of Justice on the grounds that the Court’s previous measures in connection with the Gaza war were inadequate.
Israel rejected Friday’s ruling. “The charges of genocide brought by South Africa before the International Court of Justice in The Hague against Israel are false, outrageous and morally repugnant,” the head of the National Security Council and the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a joint statement. .
“After the horrific attack on the citizens of Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel began a defensive and just war to eliminate Hamas and secure the release of our hostages,” the statement continued.
“Israel is acting on its right to defend its territory and its citizens, in accordance with its moral values and in accordance with international law, including international humanitarian law.”
“Israel has not and will not undertake any military actions in the Rafah area that could impose living conditions on the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza that could lead to physical destruction in whole or in part.”
The statement pledged that Israel will “continue its efforts to facilitate humanitarian assistance and, in full compliance with the law, act to minimize harm to the civilian population in Gaza.”
According to Israeli media reports, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the decision with key cabinet ministers.
South Africa has previously demanded measures against Israel in summary proceedings several times. This is part of the genocide lawsuit the country filed in court in December.
In two emergency rulings, the UN judges had obliged Israel to do everything possible to prevent genocide and enable humanitarian aid.
The Palestinian Islamist Hamas movement welcomed the ruling. In a statement published on Friday, Hamas called on the international community and the United Nations to put pressure on Israel.
A member of the Hamas Politburo emphasized that without international pressure, the court’s decision would have no effect.
Egypt and Jordan also welcomed the International Court of Justice ruling and urged the UN Security Council to put pressure on Israel to end its operation.
The Palestinian Authority called for increased international pressure on Israel following the International Court of Justice decision.
The international community must force Israel to implement the decision, the country said in a statement published in Ramallah on Friday. The authority believes that the court’s ruling confirms the position that Israel is committing war crimes.
South Africa also welcomed the International Court of Justice’s decision on Friday. The ruling African National Congress (ANC) called the decision an affirmation of the principles of justice, human rights and the rule of law.
However, echoing the words of former South African leader Nelson Mandela, President Cyril Ramaphosa said: “We will not be completely free until the people of Palestine are free.”
With its ruling, the United Nations highest court partially responded to the demands made by South Africa in an emergency appeal.
Although the rulings of the UN highest court are binding, it has no means to enforce compliance. However, it can appeal to the UN Security Council to take action.
Armed Hamas fighters killed around 1,200 people in Israel on October 7. Israel responded with a devastating air and ground campaign that Hamas-led health authorities say has killed more than 35,000 people in the area.
Israel has pledged to continue its military operations until Hamas is completely eliminated in Gaza.
