March 28, 2024 (EIRNS)—The International Court of Justice ruled today on South Africa’s March 6 submission for “further provisional measures” to be imposed on Israel, given the overwhelming evidence of starvation and famine. After the ICJ’s original six provisional orders on Jan. 26 under the Genocide Convention, Israel’s allowance of aid trucks into Gaza actually decreased. South Africa went back to the ICJ to address the rapidly disintegrating situation. Today the ICJ cited from the various UN reports since Jan. 26 on the worsening situation in Gaza, and then ordered that:
“In conformity with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, and in view of the worsening conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza, in particular the spread of famine and starvation, Israel shall: (a) take all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale by all concerned of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene and sanitation requirements, as well as medical supplies and medical care to Palestinians throughout Gaza, including by increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points and maintaining them open for as long as necessary….”
This new provisional order was passed unanimously. However, yet again, Israel has 30 days to report on what it has done in regard to today’s action. The issue lies in the hands of Israel’s prime supplier of weapons and support, the United States. Will international law perish with the victims in Gaza?
