WASHINGTON: UN experts told the UN Security Council in New York on Wednesday that the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) recent ruling against Israel offered a glimmer of hope for the protection of civilians in Gaza facing dire humanitarian conditions.

The experts, appointed by the UN Human Rights Council, emphasised the urgency of the court order to shield the Palestinian people from potential genocidal actions attributed to Israel.

The decision, issued after South Africa filed a case against Israel in December, encompasses six provisional measures, urging Israel to prevent incitement to genocide, ensure aid reaches Palestinians in Gaza, and preserve evidence of crimes committed.

Secretary General António Guterres underlined the gravity of the situation, condemning attacks by both Israel and Hamas. He emphasised the importance of addressing the crisis amid the unresolved issue of statelessness and widespread violence in Gaza.

Guterres highlighted the need to maintain UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) operations to meet the dire needs of civilians in Gaza.” The death, destruction, displacement, hunger, loss, and grief in Gaza over the last 120 days are a scar on our shared humanity and conscience,” he declared.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself but stressed the importance of respecting international humanitarian law. She clarified that the ICJ did not order a ceasefire and did not find Israel in violation of the Genocide Convention.

Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield called for diplomatic efforts, revealing ongoing US endeavors to secure the release of hostages in Gaza.” While we all agree that more must be done, we must be honest about what the court did not order,” she emphasised.

“We must instead work towards a solution through diplomacy.” Amar Bendjama, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Algeria, asserted that the ICJ decision signifies the end of impunity and called for accountability for Israel’s actions.

He emphasised the international community’s commitment to ensuring that no criminal escapes sanction and urged Israel to comply immediately with the provisional measures.” It is of the utmost importance to guarantee accountability in order to protect future generations from atrocities such as those being committed today in Gaza,” Bendjama stressed.

UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths reported ongoing fierce fighting around hospitals in Khan Yunis, threatening the well-being of thousands. Griffiths called for urgent steps to ensure unimpeded access to Gaza, emphasising the crucial

role of UNRWA in the humanitarian response.” The beating heart of all this is UNRWA,” Griffiths emphasised. “Our humanitarian response for the Occupied Palestinian Territory is completely dependent on UNRWA being adequately funded and operational.”

As the crisis unfolds, with a majority of Gaza’s housing units destroyed or damaged and clean water accessibility nearly nonexistent, the international community faces a critical juncture. The ICJ ruling has set the stage for increased scrutiny on Israel’s actions, but diplomatic efforts and international cooperation will be essential to bring an end to the tragic events in Gaza.

The urgency expressed by UN experts underscores the need for immediate, collective action to alleviate the suffering of civilians and pave the way for a sustainable resolution to the conflict.

Published in Dawn, February 1st, 2024