“The ICJ has today [24 May] ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah to protect Palestinians in Gaza who are facing inhumane, catastrophic conditions that threaten their lives. It has also ordered Israel to keep the Rafah crossing open to allow unhindered provision of basic services and humanitarian assistance at scale. Israel has a legal obligation to implement all the ICJ’s provisional measures in full. Its unlawful approach is causing unjustifiable suffering in Gaza, and cannot continue. No country is above the law.

All UN member states are obliged to respect ICJ decisions. States providing arms to Israel have a particular responsibility to ensure they are not complicit in any violation of the Court’s orders.

To end this carnage, the international community must redouble its efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages held by Hamas, and an end to all forms of siege and blockade in Gaza. There is no military solution. Only a political pathway forward can ensure the lasting peace that Israelis and Palestinians want.”

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