Norway says ICJ ruling 'important,' expects Israel to implement order

By Burak Bir

LONDON (AA) - The Friday ruling that ordered Israel to halt its military onslaught on Rafah, southern Gaza Strip is "important" and Norway expects Israel to implement it, the Nordic country's foreign minister said.

"Today's ruling from the International Court of Justice is important," Espen Barth Eide told Anadolu, saying the court reinforced the previously ordered measures that "Israel must abide by."

The ICJ's order came after a request by South Africa for additional provisional measures as part of its case accusing Israel of violating the 1948 Genocide Convention in the Gaza conflict.

The UN court, besides reaffirming its Jan. 26 and March 28 orders, also ordered Israel to keep Rafah border crossing open, provide "unimpeded access" to investigators looking into allegations of genocide, and report back on the progress within one month.

"I expect Israel to implement the measures," Eide said, highlighting the importance of complying with legally binding orders.

"Respect for the Court and its functions, including the authority to order provisional measures, is essential to strengthen international law and the international legal order," he added.

Israel on May 6 launched a ground offensive in Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians had taken refuge from war that began last October. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) estimates that more than 800,000 people have since fled the city.

Israel's air and ground attacks for over seven months has killed more than 35,000 Palestinians in Gaza, reduced much of the territory to rubble, and led to conditions of famine.

Israel was earlier ordered to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in the blockaded enclave.

Norway, along with Ireland and Spain, announced this week that it will formally recognize a Palestinian state from May 28.