This was decided by the highest court of the United Nations a damning reproach to Israel’s wartime conduct and adds to growing international pressure to halt an offensive that has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, decimated large swathes of Gaza and expelled nearly 85 percent of its 2.3 million people from their homes.
The International Criminal Court did not ask for a cessation of hostilities, but asked Israel to limit deaths and damage to the civilian population, to avoid any attempt at genocide and to urgently send humanitarian aid to the enclave. And he described the situation in the Strip as “a human tragedy”.
“False and scandalous,” reproached Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was also annoyed by marches in Israel calling for an end to the war and the search by all means for the release of more than a hundred hostages in the hands of the terrorist group. Hamas.
The conflict began after this ultra-Islamic, pro-Iranian organization attacked twenty kibbutzim in southern Israel on October 7 and killed more than 1,200 people, mostly women, elderly people and children. one of the worst attacks against Jews since the Holocaust.
The Israeli military offensive has focused on the literal demolition of the Strip. which produced a mountain of victims among non-belligerent civilians who crowded together in a scenario of desperation in the south of that narrow territory, on the border with Egypt.
The images of that drama, where there is not enough food, water, sanitation and energy, have generated protests around the world against Israel’s war methodology, which he rejected US recommendations for a smaller operationwith commandos and prevent harm to civilians as well as promoting a Palestinian government in those territories.
Palestinians displaced in a refugee camp in Khan Younis, in the Gaza Strip. Photo: EFESouth Africa’s complaint to The Hague
South Africa has called the case genocide, which goes to the heart of one of the world’s most difficult conflicts, and has asked the court to order Israel to halt its operations.
The sentence did not come to this. The 17 judges of the prestigious court decided not to dismiss the case as argued by Israel and ordered six so-called interim measures to protect Palestinians in Gaza. Many of the measures were approved by an overwhelming majority of judges. An Israeli judge also voted in favor of two of the six.
“The Court is acutely aware of the scope of the human tragedy occurring in the region and is deeply concerned by the continued loss of life and suffering,” said Chief Justice Joan E. Donoghue.
The provisional measures of the world court are legally binding, but It is unclear whether Israel will comply.
Palestinians displaced by Israeli bombing walk along a street in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip. Photo: EFEIsrael continues the war
Netanyahu rejected the objections and promised to continue the war. “We will continue to do whatever is necessary to defend our country and defend our people,” she said.
The sovereign seeks tangible military success in this conflict that will allow him to remain in power at the head of a controversial coalition that includes small ultra-religious and ultra-nationalist parties that refuse any negotiations with the Hamas gang and aspire to colonize the territory.
The court ruled so Israel must refrain from killing Palestinians or cause harm to them and that it is urgently necessary to provide basic aid to the people of Gaza.
It also established that, among other measures, Israel must prevent and punish any incitement to genocide.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyadh Maliki applauded the “important order.” It was also celebrated by the center-left government of Colombia or the conservative government of Türkiye.
Israel often boycotts international tribunals and UN investigations, considering them unfair and biased. But this time he took the unusual step of sending a high-level legal team, a sign of the seriousness with which he approaches a case that seriously affects his standing internationally.
An Israeli official said Netanyahu met with senior legal, diplomatic and security officials on Thursday ahead of the sentencing.
Source: AFP and AP
Source: Clarin
Mary Ortiz is a seasoned journalist with a passion for world events. As a writer for News Rebeat, she brings a fresh perspective to the latest global happenings and provides in-depth coverage that offers a deeper understanding of the world around us.