South Africa says it will continue to use channels such as the United Nations (UN) Security Council to ensure full and effective implementation of the existing provisional measures emanating from the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) January order to curb Israel’s military assault on Palestine.
The UN’s top court, the ICJ, on Friday, dismissed South Africa’s urgent request for additionalmeasures in the Gaza Strip which was prompted by Israel’s threat to launch
attacks in Rafah. More than half of Gaza's 2.4 million population have sought
shelter in the southern City of Rafah since Israel’s military assault following
the October 7 attack by Hamas.
PHOTO: ICJSouth Africa has already filed a complaint against Israel
in the ICJ, in The Hague, alleging that its assault on Gaza amounts to a breach
of the Genocide Convention. The court has yet to rule on the underlying issue,
but on January 26 it ordered Israel to ensure it took action to protect
Palestinian civilians from further harm and to allow in humanitarian aid.
South African officials on Tuesday filed a further request
to the court, asking it to order new measures in the light of Israel's
preparation of a new operation against Rafah.
The ICJ's judges acknowledged that the recent developments
"'would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare
with untold regional consequences'" -- citing remarks by UN Secretary-General
Antonio Guterres.
‘’This perilous situation demands immediate and effective
implementation of the provisional measures indicated by the Court in its Order
of 26 January 2024, which are applicable throughout the Gaza Strip, including
in Rafah, and does not demand the indication of additional provisional measures.’’
‘’The Court emphasizes that the State of Israel remains
bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and with
the said Order, including by ensuring the safety and security of the Palestinians
in the Gaza Strip,’’ it added in a statement.
Despite the rejection of its latest request, South Africa welcomed the ICJ's latest decision.
Done By: Mitchum George
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