Israel has urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) not to issue urgent directives compelling it to increase humanitarian assistance to Gaza in response to an imminent famine, rejecting South Africa’s plea as “morally objectionable.”
In a public submission to the highest United Nations court, Israel emphasized its genuine concern for the humanitarian crisis and innocent lives in Gaza, highlighting its ongoing efforts to address the situation.
Israeli legal representatives refuted allegations of intentionally causing humanitarian hardship in Gaza, where tens of thousands of Palestinians have perished and hunger is escalating. They criticized South Africa’s repeated appeals for additional measures as an abuse of legal processes.
Imminent Famine in Gaza (Credits: Al Jazeera)
Israel denounced South Africa’s accusations, lodged in its request for new measures on March 6, as lacking factual and legal basis and deemed them morally reprehensible. The exchange is part of South Africa’s ongoing case accusing Israel of orchestrating genocide in Gaza following Hamas attacks on Israel.
In January, the ICJ, also known as the World Court, instructed Israel to refrain from actions potentially falling under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its forces do not commit genocidal acts against Gazan Palestinians. Israel dismissed the genocide allegation as unfounded.
Relief agencies have reported severe restrictions on essential aid to Gaza’s 2.3 million inhabitants. Israel has enforced a blockade on Gaza since October 7 and has hindered the entry of much-needed fuel.
ICJ emergency measures serve as interim injunctions, preventing a situation from worsening until the court in The Hague can hear the full case, which typically takes several years.
Imminent Famine in Gaza (Credits: The Times of Israel)
Israel’s response coincided with the UN World Food Programme’s warning that famine is imminent in northern Gaza. The agency highlighted that 70 percent of the remaining population is facing catastrophic hunger, and further escalation of Israel’s offensive could push about half of Gaza’s total population to the brink of starvation.
The offensive, spanning over five months, has resulted in the deaths of nearly 32,000 individuals in Gaza, according to local health officials.
1,139 people were killed in southern Israel during Hamas attacks on October 7, prompting Israel’s military action in Gaza. Palestinian authorities have reported at least 20 deaths from malnutrition and starvation since Israel initiated its assault.
Josep Borrell, the European Union’s top diplomat, characterized the impending famine in Gaza as entirely man-made, emphasizing the use of starvation as a weapon of war. He condemned the artificial closure of land crossings, resulting in fatalities.
South Africa’s petition to the ICJ marks its second attempt to secure additional measures. Its initial request to pressure Israel to cease an offensive against Rafah, a southern Gaza city, was denied.
