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In a significant ruling, the United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to immediately halt military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. However, the court stopped short of calling for a complete ceasefire in the devastated territory.
The ICJ’s decision comes amid mounting criticism of Israel’s conduct in Gaza, with growing concern over its operations in Rafah. Even the United States, a close ally of Israel, has expressed reservations.
This week, Norway, Ireland, and Spain announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, while the International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor requested arrest warrants for Israeli leaders and Hamas officials.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces intense pressure at home to end the ongoing conflict. The war was triggered when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages.
Despite the ICJ’s ruling, Israel is unlikely to comply, given its historical stance. The court lacks enforcement capabilities, similar to Russia’s disregard for a 2022 order to halt its invasion of Ukraine.
Avi Hyman, an Israeli government spokesman, defiantly stated, “No power on Earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza.”
The ICJ’s ruling acknowledges that fears about an operation in Rafah have materialized, characterizing the humanitarian situation as disastrous. Israel has been ordered to keep the Rafah crossing into Egypt open for urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.
However, the court did not grant South Africa’s request for a full ceasefire throughout Gaza. South Africa brought the case, accusing Israel of genocide during its Gaza campaign. Israel denies these allegations vehemently, and the legal battle is expected to continue for years.
The ICJ also emphasized Israel’s obligation to allow UN fact-finding or investigative missions to examine the genocide allegations. South African Ambassador Vusimuzi Madonsela urged the court to order Israel’s complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip.
With more than 35,000 Palestinians killed and entire neighborhoods obliterated, the situation remains dire. Irish lawyer Blinne Ni Ghralaigh, part of South Africa’s legal team, called this the court’s last chance to act.
Israel’s rejection of South Africa’s claims underscores the complexity of the conflict. While the ICJ previously ordered measures to prevent death and destruction in Gaza, a lasting resolution remains elusive.
The ICJ, tasked with resolving disputes between nations, faces a critical test in addressing the ongoing crisis in the region.
Report by Pat Harrington
THIRDWAY THINK-TANK | The Voice of the Radical Centre 
It is up to the members of the UN to support and enforce the decision of the ICJ, this can be done by a united membership advising both Israel and America of their decision. Diplomatic isolation of both and sanctions could be used, should either or both ignore the view of the many.
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Posted by jonangel | May 27, 2024, 10:20 pm