The UN’s International Court of Justice will hold hearings today and tomorrow to discuss new emergency measures sought by South Africa, including an order to cease the military operation, over Israel’s attacks on Rafah during the war in Gaza.

A team of lawyers representing Israel’s stance took off for the Hague on Wednesday, although by press time, it had not yet been clarified if it would submit its stances in writing or in an appearance before the court.
Israel’s concern about the outcome of the hearings is over eventual measures to stop the war, and it is seeking to avoid such a scenario. If the court does issue such a measure, Israel may oblige. If it does not, the issue would roll down to the United Nations Security Council, where the American veto stands strong.

The Israeli team includes representatives from the Defense, Foreign, and Justice ministries and the National Security Council.

Request to order more emergency measures against Israel

South Africa’s request to order more emergency measures against Israel over its attacks on Rafah is part of the ongoing case that accuses Israel of acts of genocide against Palestinians.
Tanks from the 401st Brigade enter eastern Rafah, May 8 2024 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Tanks from the 401st Brigade enter eastern Rafah, May 8 2024 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT)
Israel’s consistent stance is that it is acting in accordance with international law in Gaza. It has said South Africa’s genocide case is baseless and has accused Pretoria of acting as “the legal arm of Hamas.”
On Monday, Egypt, which has longstanding positive relations with Israel that came about after years of war, said it would be joining South Africa in protest over Israel’s actions in Rafah, specifically in placing the responsibility of the Rafah crossing – one of the major ones for aid – in Cairo’s lap.
Military operations in Rafah have been a sore point for Egypt, with the country refusing to facilitate the transfer of aid while Israeli forces occupy the Palestinian side of Rafah.