The highest court of the United Nations has issued a directive ordering Israel to cease its military offensive immediately in Rafah, located in the southern region of Gaza. The International Court of Justice, responsible for resolving disputes between nations, has expressed grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Gaza, particularly in Rafah, describing the humanitarian conditions there as dire. Additionally, the court has called for the opening of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow for the unrestricted entry of humanitarian aid.

South Africa initiated the request for this urgent measure, arguing that Israel's actions in Rafah amount to genocide and pose a significant threat to the survival of the Palestinian population. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vehemently denied the allegations of genocide, labeling them as false and egregious. Some members of his cabinet have accused the court of displaying anti-Semitic bias and of aligning with Hamas. Nonetheless, critics of Netanyahu view this ruling as further evidence of Israel's increasing international isolation.