The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the main legal arm of the United Nations, rejected a request by South Africa for urgent action against Israeli military operations in Rafah in the Gaza Strip.
The “dangerous situation” in Rafah “does not require any reference to additional interim measures,” the court said in a statement released on Friday, February 16.
The ICJ justified the decision by saying that the scenario “requires the immediate and effective implementation of the interim measures indicated by the Court in its order of January 26, 2024,” referring to the court's decision for a ceasefire throughout the Gaza Strip.
In theory, decisions of the International Court of Justice are binding on all member states of the United Nations.
But unlike the United Nations Security Council, the ICJ does not have the ability to put its decisions into practice.
South African action
South Africa accuses Tel Aviv of committing genocide in Palestine. Lula's support came on January 10 after a meeting with the Palestinian ambassador to Brazil.
Johannesburg's lawsuit against Israel was filed at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands and began hearing on January 11.
Criticism of Brazil's support
Lula's decision to support South Africa's action drew criticism from various sectors and figures, particularly the BrazilianIsraeli Confederation (Conib) and former Foreign Minister Celos Lafer.
“It is frustrating to see the Brazilian government supporting a cynical and perverse action like this, aimed at preventing Israel from defending itself against its genocidal enemies,” the Confederation said in a statement.
“This government decision deviates from the position of balance and moderation of Brazilian foreign policy,” he added.
According to the company, “the South African action is a reversal of reality.”
Conib recalled that the current military operations in Gaza follow the terrorist attacks of October 7, in which more than 1,200 people died and about 250 were kidnapped.