UN’s top court orders Israel to allow more supply routes to Gaza

The top United Nations court has ordered Israel to take measures to allow more supplies into Gaza.

The ruling orders Israel to open more land crossings to allow food, water, fuel and other supplies into Gaza to tackle crippling shortages in the war-ravaged enclave.

The International Court of Justice issued two new so-called provisional measures in a case brought by South Africa.

The case accuses Israel of acts of genocide in its military campaign, which was launched after the October 7 attacks by Hamas.

Israel stringently denies it is committing genocide and says its military campaign is self-defence.

Yesterday’s order came after South Africa sought more provisional measures, including a ceasefire, citing starvation in Gaza.

In its legally binding order, the court told Israel to take “all necessary and effective measures to ensure, without delay, in full co-operation with the United Nations, the unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance” including food, water, fuel and medical supplies.

It also ordered Israel to immediately ensure “that its military does not commit acts which constitute a violation of any of the rights of the Palestinians in Gaza as a protected group under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

The court told Israel to report back in a month on its implementation of the orders.

South Africa welcomed the decision, calling it “significant”.

“The fact that Palestinian deaths are not solely caused by bombardment and ground attacks, but also by disease and starvation, indicates a need to protect the group’s right to exist,” the South African president said.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry made no immediate comment on the order.

People are fleeing Gaza City as fighting continues.