Israel requests ICJ to reject SA’s appeal over Rafah

Israel has asked the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to dismiss a request by South Africa to issue additional emergency measures in the city of Rafah.

In documents released on Thursday by the ICJ, also known as the World Court, Israel argued that the emergency measures issued three weeks ago already cover “the situation of hostilities in Gaza as a whole” and the court should reject the South African request.

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ISRAEL TO EXPAND GROUND ASSAULT INTO RAFAH

According to Reuters, Israel has said it is planning to expand its ground assault into Rafah, where over a million Palestinians have sought refuge from the offensive that has laid waste to much of the Gaza Strip since Hamas militants attacked Israel on 7 October last year.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not indicated when a Rafah offensive might take place, but he said Wednesday his military will continue its fight against Hamas militants in Gaza.

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SA REQUESTS ICJ FOR EXTRA EMERGENCY MEASURES

Earlier this week, South Africa asked the court to issue extra emergency measures to protect Palestinians’ rights in Rafah. The ICJ last month ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa.

Israel has denied all allegations of genocide in connection with its war against Islamist armed group Hamas. It was unclear when the judges will rule on South Africa’s latest request or whether they will call additional hearings to consider it.

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THOUSANDS KILLED AND MORE WOUNDED SINCE OCTOBER

At least 28,576 Palestinians have been killed and 68,291 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza since 7 October, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza.

The war started then with the shock Hamas attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and led to the capture of about 240 hostages, 100 of whom were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November.