South Africa applauds World Court's new order on Gaza situation

South Africa has expressed satisfaction with the world court order issued on Thursday, ordering Israel to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance, among other measures.

Pretoria lodged a case last December, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, citing ongoing offensives following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel, resulting in nearly 1,200 deaths and over 240 hostages.

According to Gaza's health ministry, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes and attacks since then.

A statement from the South African Presidency emphasised, "The International Court of Justice has granted South Africa's Urgent Request of 6 March 2024 for further provisional measures to prevent Israel from causing irreparable harm to the rights invoked by South Africa under the 1948 Genocide Convention in respect of the ongoing siege of Gaza."

The statement declared the Court's agreement with South Africa's assertion that the situation in Gaza had significantly deteriorated due to Israel's failure to comply with the previous order.

It added, "As the Court put it, Palestinians in Gaza are no longer facing only a risk of famine, as noted in the Order of 26 January 2024, but that famine is setting in, with at least 31 people, including 27 children, having already died of malnutrition and dehydration."

The new measures outlined in the ICJ order include provisions for aid such as food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and care.

Israel, as a signatory to the Genocide Convention, is called upon to undertake these measures, including increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary.

Additionally, the order urges Israel to ensure that its military refrains from committing acts that violate the rights of Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group under the Genocide Convention.

South Africa, known for its strong support for Palestine, continues to challenge Israel on these matters.