ICJ Urges Israel to Act to Prevent Gaza Famine: Court Says Aid Supply Must Increase

On Thursday, the World Court ruled that Israel must take immediate action to prevent the spread of famine in Gaza. The court ordered Israel to ensure that basic food supplies reach the Palestinians in Gaza, as aid agencies reported that only a small fraction of the necessary supplies were reaching the region.

The International Court of Justice judges stressed that famine was becoming a real threat in Gaza and recommended increasing the capacity and number of land crossing points to address the issue. Israel was given a month to submit a report detailing how they would comply with the ruling.

South Africa had requested these measures as part of a case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. Hamas officials felt that the ruling did not go far enough and called for a ceasefire to end the suffering of the people in Gaza.

The UN Security Council recently voted for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, with the United States abstaining from the vote. Israel claimed to be making efforts to improve access for humanitarian aid but were criticized for not doing enough. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the number of trucks being blocked at the border as a “moral outrage.”

There was no immediate response from Israel’s foreign ministry regarding the World Court ruling. However, Israel has made efforts to provide aid through various means, but it remains insufficient according to aid agencies.