(VOVWORLD) - The United Nations’ top court ordered Israel on Friday to immediately halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah.
 Judge Nawaf Salam (C) announces the ICJ's ruling on May 24, 2024. (Photo: CNN) |
The decision of the International Court of Justice also called on Israel to keep the Rafah crossing open for humanitarian aid to Palestinians and to take steps to ensure "unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip".
Many countries and international organizations have demonstrated their support for the order. Egypt said it supported the Court's decision and called on Israel to implement its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor welcomed the ICJ's ruling, saying it’s a "very clear call for a ceasefire".
Palestinian Authority spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeined said Palestine welcomed the ruling.
Hamas called on the UN and the international community to pressure Israel to comply with the ruling.
In another development, Egypt and the US on Friday agreed to temporarily deliver humanitarian aid to the UN office in the Gaza Strip through Israel's Kerem Shalom border gate until a legal mechanism is established to reopen the Rafah border crossing on the Palestinian side.