ICJ cautions Israel on planned Rafah ground assault

JOHANNESBURG - South Africa is welcoming an injunction by the International Court of Justice to protect civilians in Rafah.

Israel had been planning a ground assault in the area where millions of Palestinians have taken refuge.

The court says Israel's planned incursion would only exacerbate humanitarian issues in Rafah.

READ: Israel faces fresh US calls against attack on Rafah

It's ordered that all civilians in the Gaza Strip must be protected.

It says any military activity against Palestinians is a violation of the order of the International Court of Justice.

The ICJ says Israel remains bound by its obligations under the Genocide Convention.

The court, however, stopped short of adding new urgent measures, saying the measures in place are sufficient.