No need for additional emergency measures for Palestinians: ICJ

Following Israel's offensive on Rafah, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday declared that it does not see the need for further emergency measures to safeguard the rights of Palestinians, Al Jazeera reported.

"The Court notes that the most recent developments in the Gaza Strip, and in Rafah in particular, 'would exponentially increase what is already a humanitarian nightmare with untold regional consequences', as stated by the United Nations Secretary-General," the ICJ said in a statement on Friday.

Noting the "perilous situation" in the Gaza Strip and the circumstances in Rafah, the court ordered that the "provisional measures" specified in its January 26 order must be implemented immediately and effectively.

The court was referring to its orders for Israel to take all steps within its power to ensure genocidal acts are not being committed in its war on Gaza.

However, the court "does not demand the indication of additional provisional measures", its statement added.

The decision comes after South Africa asked the World Court to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights earlier this month.

Earlier this week, Israel called on the court to reject the request, saying: "South Africa's unjustifiable claims make clear that its request is not driven by any change in circumstances, nor does it have any basis in fact or law."

The cross-border attack by Hamas-led gunmen from the Gaza Strip killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.

Israel's response, a relentless bombardment and ground invasion of Gaza that has killed more than 28,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities, has drawn bitter criticism of Israel around the world and prompted calls for restraint even from its closest ally, the United States.