The Israeli site "Walla" reported that former Supreme Court President Aharon Barak and the judge appointed by Israel to the International Court of Justice in The Hague secretly traveled to the Netherlands two weeks ago. The site clarified that the purpose of the secret visit was to consult on a decision to prevent the international court from granting South Africa's request for another order against Israel, prohibiting it from carrying out operations in Rafah.
South Africa submitted an additional request for an urgent order to prevent Israel's entry into southern Rafah, Gaza. Due to the urgent nature of the matter, the court decided to hold a special session, during which the judges appointed by Israel and South Africa were specifically summoned to The Hague. The judges attended consultations held by the panel, and ultimately, South Africa's request was rejected. The panel believes there is no ground for issuing new decisions beyond those already related to Israeli military activities, including Rafah.
The court announced in its decision that no new orders would be imposed on Israel and added that Israel must implement the decisions made on January 26, also addressing Rafah. The court warned of the exacerbation of the humanitarian crisis should such an operation occur, referencing a warning from UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
In a letter to the court, South Africa expressed grave concern over the "unprecedented" attack announced by Israel in Rafah, which has already led to widespread civilian casualties. It stated that the Israeli attack on southern Gaza would cause further harm. South Africa considered the Israeli operation a violation of the order issued by the court in the lawsuit against Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel sent a document to the court stating that it has implemented the orders issued on January 26 regarding the prevention of incitement to genocide, the safeguarding of evidence concerning genocide, and the transfer of humanitarian aid.
