The UN’s Ultimatum to Israel: Prevent Famine in Gaza
In a groundbreaking move, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a unanimous order to Israel, demanding the immediate and unhindered flow of aid into Gaza to prevent a looming famine.
The ICJ’s directive stipulates that Israel must act swiftly to ensure the “provision… of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance” in Gaza, where warnings of an imminent famine have been circulating.
Israel, however, has vehemently denied accusations of blocking aid, labeling them as “wholly unfounded”. The country has also refuted claims of genocide brought forth by South Africa and instead shifted blame onto the UN for issues surrounding aid distribution.
A Desperate Situation Unfolding in Gaza
The latest ruling from The Hague-based court follows a request from South Africa to reinforce an earlier order instructing Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza. Despite the legal binding nature of ICJ orders, enforcement mechanisms are lacking.
A recent report by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Global Initiative has painted a dire picture, warning of a “catastrophic” scenario unfolding in Gaza. The report projected that famine could strike the northern region of the territory by the end of May.
The ICJ emphasized that Gaza is no longer at risk of famine, but rather, it is already in the throes of a famine crisis. Shockingly, 31 individuals, including 27 children, have succumbed to malnutrition and dehydration, according to UN observers.
Israel’s Responsibilities According to the ICJ
The court’s ruling mandates Israel to take immediate and effective actions in collaboration with the United Nations to ensure the unimpeded delivery of essential services and humanitarian aid at scale. Critical necessities include food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene products, and medical supplies.
Furthermore, Israel is urged to prevent any acts by its military that violate the rights of Palestinians in Gaza under the Genocide Convention. Recent months have seen aid trucks facing delays at the Gaza-Egypt border, with Israel facing accusations of imposing cumbersome and arbitrary checks on deliveries.
Israel’s Response and Ongoing Conflict
Israel has strongly opposed the latest ICJ order, denouncing South Africa’s allegations as unfounded and morally repugnant. The country has dismissed the broader genocide case against it as baseless and has pointed fingers at Hamas for diverting aid meant for civilians.
The conflict escalation traces back to an attack on October 7, where Hamas-led gunmen infiltrated Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel’s retaliatory measures have led to significant casualties, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting thousands of deaths, including a substantial number of women and children.
As tensions persist and the humanitarian crisis deepens, the world watches closely as Israel grapples with the ICJ’s mandate to avert a catastrophic famine in Gaza.
