South Africa filed an application at the International Court of Justice against a possible Israeli military campaign in the Gaza city of Rafah. The court rejected the request on Friday, saying Israel is “obliged to comply with existing measures” to protect Palestinians.
South Africa has already filed a complaint against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging that its attack on Gaza amounts to genocide.
South Africa also demanded that the court order an immediate ceasefire.
The court has yet to rule on the main issue (Israel’s genocide of Palestinians in Gaza), but on January 26 it ordered Israel to protect Palestinian civilians from further harm, and ensure action to allow humanitarian assistance. However, a complete cease-fire was not ordered to Israel.
South African officials filed another application with the court on February 13, asking the court to order new measures in light of Israel’s preparations for a new operation against Rafah.
The ICJ judges, referring to the statement of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, acknowledged that the recent developments (military campaign in Rafah) will worsen the situation.
They said Israel needed to act immediately to ensure the safety and security of the Palestinians and should not have needed any “indicators of additional temporary measures”.
The ICJ judges were referring to their January 26 ruling, which stated that “Israel is bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and the above-mentioned order.”
Despite the rejection of the application, South Africa has welcomed the latest ICJ ruling.
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