Australian minister urges Israel to abide by ICJ Rafah ruling

The ICJ, the top court of the United Nations, earlier on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

News Agency of Nigeria • May 25, 2024

Australia’s minister for climate change, Chris Bowen [Credit; The Australian]

A senior Australian government minister has urged Israel to abide by an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt its military offensive in southern Gaza.

The ICJ, the top court of the United Nations, earlier on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah and open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza to allow aid into the region.

In response, Chris Bowen, Australia’s minister for climate change and energy and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s cabinet member, said the federal government supported the ruling.

He described the situation in Rafah as a humanitarian disaster that has the potential to get worse.

“We have been very consistent that Rafah should not be attacked,” Mr Bowen said at a press conference on Saturday.

“Australia believes international law should be complied with. Australia believes the binding rulings should be complied with, and we believe Rafah should not be invaded by Israel.”

A panel of 15 international judges adopted the ICJ order in a 13-2 vote, with judges from Israel and Uganda opposed.

We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.