ICJ Issues Urgent Order for Israel to Provide Aid in Gaza after Accusations of Genocide

The United Nations International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a new order in response to a request made by South Africa. South Africa had accused Israel of genocide in Gaza in December, following ongoing attacks by Hamas in southern Israel. Nearly 1,200 people were killed and over 240 were taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s health ministry reports that more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes.

The new measures put in place by the ICJ state that Israel must take necessary and effective actions to ensure the unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian aid in Gaza. This aid includes food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene products, sanitation requirements, medical supplies, and medical care. Israel must work in full cooperation with the United Nations to provide this aid urgently.

Furthermore, the ICJ order calls on Israel to increase the capacity and number of land crossings and keep them open as long as necessary for aid delivery. Israel is also required to prevent its military from committing acts that violate the rights of Palestinians in Gaza. This includes preventing the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance.

The court has instructed Israel to submit a report on all measures taken within one month. The UN Spokesperson has emphasized that all Member States must abide by the decisions made by the ICJ, as the court operates independently. The ICJ was established as the principal judicial organ of the UN to promote justice and peace among nations.