The International Court of Justice (ICJ), has ordered Israel to halt its offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah and withdraw from the enclave. This ruling came in a case brought by South Africa, which has accused Israel of committing genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza.
In Friday’s decision, the 15-judge panel at the ICJ cited the “immense risk” to Palestinian civilians in ordering Israel to cease its military operations. This marks the third time this year the ICJ has issued preliminary orders seeking to curb the escalating death toll and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
While the ICJ’s orders are legally binding, the court lacks the means to directly enforce its rulings. Compliance ultimately depends on the willingness of the involved parties, in this case Israel, to abide by international law.
According to ICJ President Nawaf Salam, the provisional measures previously ordered by the court in March did not adequately address the current situation in Gaza. Salam stated that the conditions have now been met for the ICJ to issue a new emergency order.
The ICJ president emphasized that the court’s rulings are legally binding, though the ICJ lacks direct enforcement mechanisms. Compliance with the order ultimately depends on Israel’s willingness to abide by international law and the court’s directives.
This latest ICJ decision builds on its previous efforts to compel action to reduce the death toll and alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis unfolding in the Gaza Strip.
Israel’s disobedience of an order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ, also known to halt its war or military operation in Rafah is likely to face international sanctions.
While the U.S. is expected to back Israel in such a situation, most Western governments are likely to stand by the court’s decision. This could leave Israel increasingly isolated on the global stage should it refuse to comply with the ICJ’s legally binding directive.