ICJ orders Israel to halt military offensive in Rafah, open humanitarian corridor

New Delhi, May 24: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a ruling on Friday demanding that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Rafah, located in southern Gaza.

The UN's highest court also ordered that the Rafah border crossing with Egypt be opened to allow humanitarian aid to enter at scale and called for the release of all Israeli hostages held in Gaza.

Although the ICJ's rulings are legally binding in disputes between nations, the court lacks robust mechanisms to enforce its decisions.

This ruling follows a recent submission by South Africa, which accused Israel of escalating what it describes as genocidal actions in Gaza. This request is part of a broader case that South Africa has brought against Israel concerning its actions in Gaza.

Israel has strongly denied these allegations and indicated it would disregard the ICJ's order to halt its operations.

Before the ruling, an Israeli government spokesperson declared, “No power on Earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and pursuing Hamas in Gaza.”

Shortly after the ICJ's decision, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on the Shaboura camp in central Rafah.

Israel has previously stated that its offensive in Rafah is crucial for defeating Hamas following the attacks on October 7.

In response to South Africa's allegations, Israel described the case as “wholly unfounded”.