The world court issued the new order in response to a recent request made by South Africa, which submitted a case in December accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, based on its continuing offensive following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel which left almost 1,200 dead and more than 240 taken hostage.
Since then, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes and attacks, according to figures from Gaza’s health ministry.
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Israel to ensure aid deliveries
The ICJ provisional measures state that Israel, “in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza, in particular the spread of famine and starvation”, shall take “all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians throughout Gaza”.
The measures outline that the required aid includes food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care.
Orders to open more land crossings
The fresh ICJ order also calls on Israel, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, to undertake those measures, “including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary”.
Additional measures call for Israel to ensure “with immediate effect that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group” under the Genocide Convention.
This includes “by preventing, through any action, the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian assistance”, according to the ICJ.
The court also decided that Israel shall submit a report to the ICJ on all measures within one month.
UN: All Member States must abide by ICJ decisions
UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reminded journalists at his daily briefing that the ICJ operates independently.
“We do believe as a matter of principle that all Member States abide by decisions of the court,” he said.
The ICJ was established by the UN Charter as the principal judicial organ of the UN.
Read our explainer on the ICJ here.
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It’s crucial that Israel takes these necessary measures to provide urgent aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. The worsening conditions of life faced by the Palestinians require immediate and effective action to prevent further suffering and ensure the provision of essential services and humanitarian assistance.
It is imperative that Israel takes immediate action to ensure aid deliveries to alleviate the worsening conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza. The measures outlined by the ICJ must be fully implemented to provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, and medical supplies. Israel must also open more land crossings to facilitate the delivery of aid and ensure access to necessary resources for the population in Gaza.
Is the world court’s order legally binding on Israel? What actions can be taken if they fail to comply?
Yes, the world court’s order is legally binding on Israel. If they fail to comply, potential actions include economic sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and even further legal proceedings against Israel for non-compliance.
Do these orders mean Israel will finally provide the necessary aid and open more land crossings to help the Palestinians in Gaza?
Yes, it appears that with the new orders from the ICJ, Israel is obligated to provide the necessary aid and open more land crossings to help the Palestinians in Gaza. Let’s hope this brings some relief to the ongoing crisis.
How will Israel manage to meet all the urgent humanitarian needs outlined by the world court considering the ongoing conflict in Gaza?
Israel is facing a critical challenge in balancing its military actions with fulfilling the urgent humanitarian needs outlined by the world court. It will require precise coordination and cooperation to ensure the necessary aid reaches the vulnerable populations in Gaza.
The world court’s decision regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza is crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis and providing much-needed aid to the Palestinians. Israel must comply with the ICJ’s order to prevent further suffering and devastation in the region.
It is imperative that Israel takes immediate action to ensure the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. The world is watching and expecting accountability for the escalating crisis.
It is imperative that Israel takes immediate action to comply with the ICJ’s order and provide necessary aid to the Palestinians in Gaza. The worsening conditions of life faced by the civilians demand swift and effective measures to prevent further suffering.