South Africa urges UN’s top court to order cease-fire in Gaza to shield citizens in Rafah

By MOLLY QUELL
Associated Press

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — South Africa has urged the United Nations’ top court to order a cease-fire in Gaza during hearings over emergency measures to halt Israel’s military operation in the enclave’s southern city of Rafah. It was the third time the International Court of Justice held hearings on the conflict in Gaza since South Africa filed proceedings in December accusing Israel of genocide. South Africa told the panel of 15 international judges they must order Israel to “totally and unconditionally withdraw” from the Gaza Strip. The court has already found a “real and imminent risk” to the Palestinian people in Gaza by Israel’s military operations. Israel has strongly denied committing genocide in Gaza, saying it does all it can to spare civilians.