ICJ decrees Israel to ‘immediately’ cease its offensive in Rafah

THE HAGUE, THE NETHERLANDS - MAY 24, 2024: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, a city in southern Gaza Strip where it sent forces in early May. The order, adopted by the panel of 15 judges in a 13-2 vote, came a week after it was requested by South Africa as part of its case accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention. "Israel must immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part," said ICJ President Nawaf Salam, reading out the ruling. The ICJ said modification in its March 28 order, which ordered "unhindered provision" of aid to Gaza, was in view of change in circumstances due to the offensive on Rafah, where displaced Palestinians had taken refuge from the war that started in October.(Footage by STRINGER/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)