South Africa has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to order Israel to withdraw from Rafah as part of additional emergency measures over the Gaza war, the UN’s top court said on Friday.
In an ongoing case brought by South Africa, which accuses Israel of acts of genocide against Palestinians, the World Court in January ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that might fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure that its troops do not commit acts of genocide over the Palestinians.
In submissions released today, South Africa is seeking additional urgent measures in light of the ongoing military action in Rafah, which it calls the “last refuge” for Palestinians in Gaza.
South Africa asked the court to order that “the State of Israel immediately withdraw and cease its military offensive in the Rafah province,” as well as to order Israel to allow unhindered access to United Nations officials, humanitarian aid organizations, and journalists and investigators in Gaza.
