‘Victory of the oppressed’: PM Sharif welcomes ICJ ruling on Israeli war, calls for swift implementation
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday welcomed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision ordering Israel to halt its military operations in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, calling it a “victory for the oppressed people” and urging its swift implementation.
The International Court of Justice lawsuit against Israel was filed by South Africa in December 2023, calling Israel’s actions in Gaza “genocide” and alleging an intent to destroy Palestinians in ways prescribed by the 1948 Genocide Convention.
Israel has surrounded the Gaza Strip and launched air strikes following a surprise Hamas attack on October 7 in response to the worsening situation for Palestinians living under its occupation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government continues its military campaign that has destroyed hundreds of residential areas, hospitals and education facilities, bringing the Palestinian death toll to about 36,000, the majority of them women and children.
“Implementing the International Court of Justice’s decision to halt activities at Rafah will pave the way for world peace,” the prime minister was quoted as saying in a statement released by his office paying tribute to the judges who handed down the ruling.
“Pakistan supports South Africa’s petition and will continue to defend all Palestinians,” he added. “This decision is a victory for the oppressed people and must be implemented immediately.”
Sharif called for the opening of a sea route to the Gaza Strip to provide emergency food and medicine to Gaza residents.
The International Court of Justice ruling said a UN commission of inquiry should be granted immediate access to Gaza and Rafah, putting further international pressure on an increasingly isolated Israel to scale back the war.
Criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza war has intensified in recent months, with the United States, a key ally, warning Israel against invading Rafah.
Following the ICJ ruling, Israel said its military operations had not led to the “destruction of Palestinian civilians” in Rafah, adding that it would continue to allow aid to enter the Gaza Strip “in accordance with the law.”
