International Court of Justice, Haiti, Myanmar & other topics - Daily Press Briefing (24 May 2024)

Noon Briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General.

Highlights: 
-International Court of Justice
-Occupied Palestinian territory
-Trip announcement
-Haiti
-Myanmar
-Sudan
-Democratic Republic of the Congo
-International days
-Memorial Day holiday

INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
The Secretary-General takes note of the Order of the International Court of Justice, delivered today, indicating additional provisional measures in the case of South Africa against Israel concerning Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.In that regard, the Secretary-General notes the Court’s decision to order Israel inter alia, in accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention, and in view of “the worsening conditions of life faced by civilians in the Rafah Governorate”,  to “halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part”.  Further, the Secretary-General takes note of the Court’s order to Israel to maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.  He also notes the Court’s instruction to Israel to take effective measures to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of investigative bodies mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide.The Secretary‑General further notes that the Court reaffirmed and called for immediate and effective implementation of its Orders of 26 January and 28 March 2024 indicating provisional measures in the case.He also notes that the Court reiterated its concerns over the fate of hostages, abducted during the attack in Israel on 7 October 2023, who remain in captivity and called for their immediate and unconditional release.The Secretary-General recalls that, pursuant to the Charter and to the Statute of the Court, decisions of the Court are binding and trusts that the parties will duly comply with the Order from the Court.In accordance with the Statute of the Court, the Secretary-General will promptly transmit the notice of the provisional measures ordered by the Court to the Security Council.

OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY 
The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reports that, today, aid organizations were able to reach Al Aqsa Hospital, in Deir Al Balah, with about 15,000 litres of fuel. UNICEF warns that oxygen generators at the hospital will shut down without consistent fuel delivery, putting the lives of more than 20 newborn babies at risk. It is critical that more fuel enters Gaza and that humanitarian organizations can work in safety as hostilities intensify. In northern Gaza, just one hospital – Al Awda - remains partially functional but is currently inaccessible. Gaza’s remaining health facilities are struggling to operate amid ongoing shortages of fuel, equipment and medical items.  OCHA reports that since the start of the Rafah operation, the entry of aid supplies into Gaza has been extremely limited. Between May 7th and 23rd, just over 900 aid trucks – including about 800 carrying food supplies – have entered Gaza through all operational points of entry. 

Full Highlights:
https://www.un.org/sg/en/content/ossg/noon-briefing-highlight?date%5Bvalue%5D%5Bdate%5D=24+May+2024