Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Victoria O’Regan
Published on 2024-03-29 14:26:08
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a significant order to Israel, directing it to stop obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza as the region faces a famine crisis. The ICJ mandated Israel to expand the number of land crossing points for humanitarian supplies and provide full cooperation to the United Nations in delivering essential services and aid to the Palestinians in Gaza.
Following South Africa’s plea for additional provisional measures on 6 March 2024, the ICJ released its ruling on 28 March, acknowledging the worsening conditions in Gaza since its previous order in January. The court highlighted the deteriorating living conditions in Gaza, emphasizing the urgent need for food, water, electricity, shelter, and medical supplies for the vulnerable Palestinian population.
The latest ruling from the ICJ urged Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the unhindered provision of essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. This includes increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points for aid delivery and preventing its military from committing violations against the Palestinian population.
South Africa, in its plea to the court, emphasized the imminent threat of famine in Gaza and called for urgent action to prevent genocide and starvation among Palestinians. Israel opposed these claims, but the court’s ruling highlighted the grave situation in Gaza and the necessity for intervention to save lives.
The court’s decision comes amid warnings from international aid organizations about the impending famine in Gaza, with reports projecting a critical food insecurity situation in the region. The ruling also addressed the need for a ceasefire to prevent further escalation of violence and humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
While the ICJ’s order focused on provisional measures to address the immediate humanitarian needs in Gaza, several judges expressed disappointment that a ceasefire was not explicitly ordered. Judge Dire Tladi from South Africa and other judges raised concerns about the ongoing military operations in Gaza and called for a suspension to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
Overall, the ICJ’s ruling underscores the urgency of the situation in Gaza and the need for immediate action to prevent starvation, disease, and violence among the vulnerable Palestinian population. It sets a precedent for international cooperation and intervention to address the humanitarian crisis and protect the rights of the people in conflict-affected regions.
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