THE HAGUE: The International Court of Justice on Thursday ordered Israel unanimously to take all effective measures and necessary action to ensure that basic food supplies reach without any delay to the Palestinian population in war-hit Gaza.
The ICJ said the Palestinians in Gaza face deteriorating conditions of life, while starvation and famine are spreading.
The court observed people of Palestine in Gaza are facing famine like situation.
The new measures were sought by South Africa as part of its ongoing lawsuit that blames Israel for state-led genocide in Gaza.
The ICJ, also known as the World Court, in January ordered Israel to refrain from any steps that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its forces commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians of Gaza.
The court in its order observed Israel must act to ensure uninterrupted provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance including water, food, electricity as well as medical care and medical supplies to Palestinians of Gaza.
The judges added that this could be done by enhancing the capacity and number of land crossing points and keeping them open for as long as necessary. The court also sought a report from Israel about how it had given effect to the ruling.
