After Israel’s announcement of an upcoming military offensive on Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have taken refuge, South Africa took the matter to the International Court of Justice for a second time to seek a new measure. This Friday, the UN’s highest legal body rejected the request.
Published on:
2 minutes
In its decision the International Court of Justice South Africa’s additional request was rejected Because she believes that Israel must respect the measures already ordered last January, namely to prevent any possible act of genocide and to allow humanitarian aid access to the Strip. Gaza. Our correspondent in South Africa, Claire Bargeles, reports that Tel Aviv must also submit a report on the implementation of these measures within 10 days.
ICJ judges note that “ The very recent events in the Gaza Strip, and especially in Rafah, “will lead to an exponential deterioration of what is already a humanitarian nightmare with unforeseeable regional consequences”, as indicated by the Secretary General of the United Nations Organization. » Antonio GutierrezAccording to a press release.
Also readIsrael’s response to South Africa’s new demands before the ICJ
But he adds that “ This alarming situation requires the immediate and effective implementation of the interim measures outlined by the Court in its Order of January 26, 2024, which apply to the entire Gaza Strip, including Rafah, and does not require additional measures for indication. ”
South Africa took the case to the ICJ for the first time, and sustained its actionIsrael There is a violation of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in Gaza. This second referral concerns the situation around Rafah, in the north of the Gaza Strip.
” A sword instead of a shield »
In a letter addressed to the Court by way of defence, the Jewish State affirmed, without reservation, that it respects international law and affirms that it has “ Mentioned in words and deeds “The military invasion was condemned bySouth Africa Taking no place south of the enclave, Israel also dismissed South Africa’s new request as a brazen attempt to use the court to ” A sword instead of a shield “
On the other hand, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz assured on Friday that he would coordinate with the countryEgypt Before its military operation in Rafah, Israel added that “ Will keep you informed » American President Joe Biden of military aggression.
(with AFP)
