The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued new provisional measures against Israel on Thursday in response to a second request from South Africa regarding the ongoing crisis in the Gaza Strip. The court instructed Israel to take immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the 2.3 million Palestinians living there, including over one million children.

The court emphasized the need for Israel to prioritize humanitarian aid and increase the number of land crossings for aid delivery, as well as adhere to all previously issued measures without hindrance. Additionally, Israel was required to submit a report within one month detailing their compliance with these additional measures.

South Africa’s government welcomed the decision and expressed their belief that it was crucial in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They have highlighted the importance of complying with the court’s directives and ending military operations in Gaza, while ensuring respect for human rights and dignity. This is seen as a significant step towards holding Israel accountable for its actions in Gaza.

In late December, South Africa filed a complaint against Israel with the ICJ accusing them of genocide in Gaza following a bloody military offensive that resulted in over 32,500 deaths. The ICJ’s decision marks an important step towards bringing justice to those affected by this ongoing crisis and ensuring accountability for those responsible.