ICJ Issues New Provisional Measures Against Israel in Response to Gaza Crisis, Urging Immediate Action to Ensure Safety of Palestinians

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued new provisional measures against Israel on Thursday in response to a second request from South Africa regarding the ongoing crisis in Gaza. The court instructed Israel to take immediate action to ensure the safety of 2.3 million Palestinians living in the territory, including over one million children.

South Africa’s brief, presented on March 6th, asked for new precautionary measures or modifications of previous ones to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The brief also denounced Israel’s continuous violations of previously issued measures.

The ICJ has mandated that Israel take all necessary and effective measures, working with the United Nations, to ensure unhindered and large-scale supply of humanitarian aid to the Gaza population. This includes food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation supplies as well as medical care and equipment. Additionally, the court has emphasized the need for Israel to increase capacity and number of land crossings for aid delivery and keep them open for as long as necessary.

Israel has been urged by the court to ensure its armed forces do not commit actions that may violate Palestinian rights in Gaza, including any actions that hinder humanitarian assistance delivery. Israel is required to submit a report within one month detailing compliance with these additional measures.

The South African government has celebrated this decision and highlighted its importance in addressing changing circumstances in Gaza. They believe that new strategies are needed to deal with humanitarian crisis caused by Israeli military operations that resulted in over 32,500 deaths during a bloody offensive last December. South Africa has also underscored the need for adherence to ICJ directives ending military operations in Gaza and protecting human dignity.