Israel had asked the ICJ to reject South Africa's request, saying it “has no basis in fact or law.”
- A UN court urges implementation of the measures in Gaza ordered in January.
- South Africa asked the ICJ to assess the need for additional measures.
- Israel's retaliatory strikes in Gaza kill more than 28,000 Palestinians.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) announced on Friday that it sees no need for additional emergency measures to protect Palestinian rights following the Israeli offensive in Rafah, as requested by South Africa. Al Jazeera reported.
“The Court notes that the most recent events in the Gaza Strip, and in Rafah in particular, 'would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with incalculable regional consequences,' as stated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations,” the Court said. ICJ. in a statement on Friday.
The court noted that the “dangerous situation” in the Gaza Strip and the situation in Rafah “demands the immediate and effective application of the provisional measures indicated by the Court in its Order of January 26, 2024.”
The court was referring to its orders for Israel to take all measures within its power to ensure that no genocidal acts are committed in its war against Gaza.
However, the court “does not require the indication of additional provisional measures,” its statement adds.
The decision comes after South Africa asked the World Court to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its Gaza offensive to the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinian rights earlier this month.
Israel on Thursday asked the court to reject the request, saying: “South Africa's unjustifiable claims make clear that its request is not driven by any change in circumstances, nor does it have any basis in fact or law.”
The cross-border attack by Hamas-led gunmen from the Gaza Strip killed about 1,200 people, according to Israeli counts.
Israel's own response, a relentless bombing and ground invasion of Gaza that has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, has provoked bitter criticism of Israel around the world and prompted calls for restraint even from its closest ally, the United States.
