Jordan urges Security Council to put end to Israel’s 'impunity' following ICJ ruling

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Friday urged the Security Council to put an end to Israel’s impunity following a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to immediately halt its offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

He said the Security Council "must shoulder its responsibility, put an end to Israel’s impunity and to double standards in enforcing international law."

Israel has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas that claimed 1,200 lives last October.

The operation has leveled most of the territory and created a humanitarian crisis. Despite concerns over the safety of civilians, Israeli forces invaded Rafah on May 6, where over a million Palestinians had taken refuge. Since the assault, at least 800,000 people have fled the city.

South Africa filed a case at the ICJ in late 2023, accusing Israel of failing to uphold its commitments under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The UN court on Jan. 26 ruled that South Africa’s claims are plausible and ordered provisional measures for Israel’s government to desist from genocidal acts, and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.

The ICJ then on March 28 ordered additional measures, calling on Israel to ensure "unhindered provision" of urgent aid to Gaza as "famine is setting in."

The Hague-based tribunal on Friday reaffirmed its previous orders, and indicated further measures including an end to military operations in the southern city, keeping the Rafah border crossing open and allowing access to investigators to the blockaded enclave.