The ICJ decision to halt Israel’s military offensive in Rafah is a new test for the US position and the UN Security Council

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) welcomes the decisions issued today, Friday, by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the case brought by South Africa, charging Israel with the genocide crime – those decisions, that were issued in near unanimity by the ICJ judges, stipulating that Israel must immediately halt its military offensive and any other action in the city of Rafah. 

The court also ordered the Israeli entity to ensure the access of investigation and fact-finding committees related to the charge of genocide, and to report back to the court within one month over its progress in applying measures ordered by the court.

Although the ICJ decisions did not order halting the war in the entire Gaza Strip, the court’s order to stop the war (in Rafah) is an unprecedented decision and a significant development in the course of the case, as it reflects how far the court is convinced that the terms of the genocide charge are met there. 

The MB views the decision to immediately halt the offensive in Rafah as a test for the declared position of the United States regarding the Israeli ground operation in Rafah, and also a test of the American conduct, given that Washington has long used its veto power in the UN Security Council to thwart decisions related to Palestine and the war on Gaza.

Allah Is the Greatest; and May Praise Be to Allah

MB Official Spokesperson

Osama Suleiman

(Friday, 16 Dhul-Qi’dah 1445 AH, 24 May 2024 AD)