The judges at the ICJ unanimously agreed on Thursday to order Israel to implement all necessary and effective measures to ensure basic food supplies, without delay, to the Palestinian population in Gaza.
The ICJ further states that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face worsening living conditions, and that famine and starvation are spreading.
– The Court considers that the Palestinians in Gaza no longer face a risk of famine, but that the famine is settling, the order from the ICJ states.
Border crossings
The measures the court is asking Israel to take include opening more land border crossings to allow food, water, fuel and other supplies to enter the besieged enclave.
In a separate order on Thursday, the ICJ also asked Israel to immediately ensure that its military does not commit acts that constitute violations of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza, which are protected by the Genocide Convention, including by preventing the delivery of emergency aid.
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The ICJ asks Israel to report back in a month on how it has complied with the orders.
Genocide case
South Africa approached the court earlier in March, warning that the population of the Gaza Strip is threatened by starvation. They asked the court to order all parties to the conflict to cease hostilities and release all hostages and prisoners.
The ICJ has previously given Israel a similar order to prevent genocide in Gaza, but has not ordered a ceasefire in the war.
South Africa has initiated a case against Israel in the ICJ, where they accuse Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, but a conclusion in this case may take several years. However, the ICJ has jurisdiction to make decisions on emergency decisions against Israel.
Israel denies that it is committing genocide in Gaza and calls the warfare there self-defense.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the UN’s highest court and deals with cases between states.
