The world celebrates ICJ ruling to stop Rafah offensive, awaiting US response

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) made a landmark ruling on Friday, demanding that Israel immediately cease its military offensive on Rafah in the Gaza Strip. The decision, approved by a majority of 13 votes to two, with Uganda and Israel dissenting, has sparked a global reaction.

President of the ICJ, judge Nawaf Salam, emphasized in his reading of the ruling that Israel must halt any actions in Rafah that could lead to the physical destruction of the Palestinian group in Gaza. The court also called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing and unrestricted access for UN investigative bodies to look into allegations of genocide.

The ruling comes in response to a request from South Africa for emergency measures against Israel over its military assault on Rafah. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, and Norway have already welcomed the decision, emphasizing the importance of upholding international law.

Turkey’s foreign ministry stated, “No country in the world is above the law. We expect all decisions taken by the Court to be quickly implemented by Israel.” Egypt also held Israel accountable for the deteriorating humanitarian conditions in Gaza, as the occupying power.

While many nations and organizations have supported the ICJ’s decision, Israel reacted with defiance. Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz informed the US Secretary of State that Israel would not comply with the ruling and would continue its offensive in Rafah, claiming it is within international law.

Shortly after the ruling, reports emerged of Israel launching missiles on a residential neighborhood in Rafah, although the videos could not be independently verified. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich asserted that Israel would not stop its military actions, equating such a decision to existential threat.

The response from the Biden administration to the ICJ’s order remains pending. While the US has condemned Israel’s actions, it has not yet commented on the court’s ruling. Calls for the suspension of arms transfers to Israel have intensified, with pressure mounting on the administration to take a stand against the violence in Rafah.

Civil rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Council on American Islamic Relations, have called for an arms embargo on Israel in light of the ICJ’s decision. The ongoing military offensive in Rafah has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, leading to mass displacement and a dire need for aid.

As the world watches the situation unfold, the ICJ’s ruling stands as a significant step towards holding Israel accountable for its actions in Rafah. The global community continues to urge all parties to respect international law and prioritize the protection of civilian lives in the region.