Israel, Palestine | The UN’s highest court orders Israel to ensure that food enters Gaza unimpeded

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.

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No ceasefire ordered

The ICJ further states that the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face worsening living conditions, and that famine and starvation are spreading.

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.

Conclusion may take several years

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.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the UN’s highest court and deals with cases between states.