South Africa on Wednesday petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to impose fresh emergency measures on Israel over what it described as the "widespread starvation" resulting from its Gaza offensive.
It is the second time South Africa has asked the court for
additional measures -- its first request in February was denied.
South Africa said it was "compelled to return to the
Court in light of the new facts and changes in the situation in Gaza --
particularly the situation of widespread starvation" during the offensive.
PHOTO: ICJPretoria said its application may be "the last
opportunity that this Court shall have to save the Palestinian people in Gaza
already dying of starvation, and now 'one step' from famine," citing the
UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The UN has warned famine is looming and desperate crowds
have stopped and looted food aid trucks.
Dire shortages of food and water amid the Gaza war sparked
by Hamas's October 7 attack have killed at least 18 people, said the health
ministry in the Hamas-controlled Palestinian territory.
"Palestinian children are starving to death as a
direct result of the deliberate acts and omissions of Israel -- in violation of
the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order," charged South Africa.
Pretoria urged the court to order an "immediate
halt" to fighting, the release of all hostages, the end to Israel's
blockade of Gaza, and the provision of emergency aid.
‘’The situation is urgent. South Africa has no choice but
to approach the Court for the strengthening of the Provisional Measures in
place to try prevent full-scale famine, starvation and disease in the Gaza
Strip, which experts predict may result in more than 85 000 deaths in the next
six months, if nothing is done,’’ said the Presidency in a statement.
The ICJ was set up to rule on disputes between states and
while its judgements are legally binding, it has little means to enforce them.
Done by: Bush Radio reporter
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