The International Court of Justice issued an order on Thursday directing Israel to ensure urgent humanitarian assistance reaches Gazans, amidst growing concerns of an imminent famine following nearly six months of continuous conflict.
Despite the UN Security Council’s recent adoption of a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, heavy fighting and sustained bombardment persistently plague the territory.
The court’s ruling stipulates that Israel must take all necessary and effective measures to facilitate the unimpeded provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian aid to Palestinians throughout Gaza, including food, water, electricity, fuel, shelter, clothing, hygiene, sanitation, medical supplies, and healthcare.
The Hague-based court’s decision comes in response to a request from South Africa to enhance a previous order issued in January, which urged Israel to allow aid into Gaza, considering the worsening situation on the ground.
The United Nations has warned that famine is on the brink of becoming a reality in northern Gaza, and the territory’s healthcare system is on the verge of collapse due to ongoing hostilities and access constraints.
Despite much of the territory being reduced to a devastated wasteland by the conflict, Israel has imposed a siege on its 2.4 million inhabitants, with occasional aid deliveries providing limited relief.
In the face of severe shortages, Gazans are forced to queue for essential resources, including clean water.
Many endure long waits to fill plastic containers from a tank located west of Rafah city, highlighting the daily struggles endured by the population.
Maram Abu Amra, a displaced woman, lamented the challenges faced by Gazans, expressing frustration over the lengthy queues and the uncertainty of returning home empty-handed.
As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering of civilians and prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
