Famine! International court orders Israel to take 'effective action' in Gaza

The International Court of Justice instructs Israel to expand the number of land crossing points into Gaza and collaborate with the United Nations to ensure sufficient supplies of food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, and other essential items are allowed into the region.
Humanitarian aid falls through the sky towards the Gaza Strip, as seen from Israel. Pic: Reuters

In a unanimous ruling, the International Court of Justice has mandated Israel to undertake "all necessary and effective measures" to halt the worsening living conditions of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This decision adds significant pressure on the government of Benjamin Netanyahu.

The justices emphasized that the situation has escalated beyond a mere risk of famine, asserting that famine is now imminent. Urgent action is deemed essential to avert widespread starvation among the population. This ruling underscores the critical need for immediate intervention to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The court directed Israel to augment the number of land crossing points into Gaza and collaborate with the United Nations to ensure adequate provisions of food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, and other essentials are permitted into the territory.

These new directives were requested by South Africa within the context of an ongoing case that accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza. Israel vehemently denies these allegations, asserting its engagement in military self-defense, and has urged the ICJ not to issue these provisional orders.
Although these orders are legally binding, there exists no practical means to enforce them.

South Africa filed its case at the end of 2023, however, proceedings at the ICJ typically extend over several years before a final judgment is rendered. On January 26th, the court issued an initial directive instructing Israel to enhance the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and to take measures to prevent any alleged acts of genocide from occurring.

With the passage of these additional measures, the court said it was acting because the situation had changed, deploying robust language which will worry some Israelis.

"Palestinians in the Gaza Strip," said the justices, "have been subjected [to]... the prolonged and widespread deprivation of food and basic necessities".
The court's ruling is another symbol of Israel's increasing isolation on the international stage. The UN Security Council adopted a resolution this week, calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

It came after months of deadlock over the issue.
Fourteen council members, including the UK, voted for the resolution, which also called for the unconditional release of the remaining hostages held by Hamas and an urgent expansion of humanitarian aid.
Israel's closest ally, the United States, abstained.