Achi news desk-
THE HAGUE – Judges at the International Court of Justice unanimously ordered Israel to take all necessary and effective steps to ensure that basic food supplies reach the Palestinian population in Gaza without delay.
The ICJ judges said in an order on Thursday that Palestinians in Gaza face worsening living conditions and widespread hunger and starvation.
“The court observes that Palestinians in Gaza no longer face a mere risk of starvation … but that starvation is beginning,” the judges said. “At least 31 people, including 27 children, have already died from malnutrition and dehydration according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs,” they said. In its binding legal order, the court told Israel to take “all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full cooperation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision on a scale by all involved in urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid. ” including food, water, fuel and medical supplies. However, the ICJ has no mechanism to enforce its judgments. South Africa requested the new measures as part of its ongoing case accusing Israel of carrying out genocide in Gaza. In January the ICJ, also known as the World Court, ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that might fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure that its troops do not carry out any genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza .
