The ICJ has issued a decisive order for Israel to halt its military activities in Rafah, acknowledging the diligent work of jurists such as Judge Dalveer Bhandari, India’s representative at the court.
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NEW DELHI: Recently, The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a compelling order, directing Israel to immediately cease its military operations in Rafah. This significant ruling comes as a testament to the tireless efforts of esteemed jurists like Judge Dalveer Bhandari, the Indian representative at the ICJ.
About Judge Dalveer Bhandari:
Judge Bhandari, renowned for his distinguished legal career, has been a stalwart member of the ICJ since 2012. Hailing from the vibrant city of Jodhpur in Rajasthan, he has amassed a plethora of accolades throughout his illustrious journey, including the prestigious Padma Bhushan conferred upon him in 2014.
With a profound commitment to justice, Mr Bhandari has left an indelible mark on the Indian legal landscape. Prior to his tenure at the ICJ, he served as a senior judge of the Supreme Court, assuming the esteemed position on October 28, 2005. During his tenure, he presided over a myriad of landmark cases spanning various legal domains, showcasing his expertise in areas such as public interest litigation, constitutional law, and criminal justice.
Since his induction into the ICJ, Judge Bhandari has played a pivotal role in shaping global jurisprudence. His involvement in crucial cases concerning maritime disputes, nuclear disarmament, and genocide reflects his unwavering commitment to upholding international law and promoting peace and justice on a global scale.
Beyond his judicial duties, Judge Bhandari has been a beacon of legal scholarship and advocacy. He has chaired the Delhi Centre of the International Law Association, further solidifying his standing as a respected authority in the field of international law. His tenure as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court was marked by several groundbreaking judgments, including a landmark ruling that recognized irretrievable breakdown of marriage as grounds for divorce, sparking discussions on legal reforms in India.
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Judge Bhandari’s contributions extend beyond the courtroom, as he remains actively engaged in academia and legal discourse. His alma mater, Northwestern University School of Law in Chicago, proudly recognizes him as one of its most distinguished alumni, commemorating his outstanding achievements in the legal profession.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled in favor of South Africa’s application against Israel, accusing it of actions amounting to genocide in Rafah. Presiding Judge Nawaf Salam announced the ruling, which mandates Israel to immediately cease any actions that could lead to the physical destruction of the Palestinian population in Rafah.
The ICJ’s ruling, backed by a 13-2 majority, highlights the seriousness of the accusations leveled against Israel. Judges Julia Sebutinde from Uganda and former Israeli High Court President Judge Aharon Barak were the sole dissenters from the prevailing viewpoint. The decision underscores the urgent need for Israel to ensure unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance and facilitate access for UN bodies conducting investigations into the allegations of genocide.
However, despite the court’s clear directive, Israel has adamantly rejected the order. Israel’s National Security Adviser, Tzachi Hanegbi, in conjunction with the foreign ministry, staunchly defended Israel’s military operations in Rafah, asserting their compliance with international law.
Hanegbi emphasized that Israel has no intention of fostering conditions conducive to the destruction of the Palestinian population. Echoing this stance, Benny Gantz, Israel’s War cabinet minister, affirmed that military operations would persist wherever deemed necessary to ensure national security.
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The ICJ’s ruling has garnered praise from Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, Riyad Mansour, who urged for its immediate implementation. Mansour reiterated the mandatory nature of adherence to ICJ resolutions, underscoring Israel’s obligation as a signatory to the Genocide Convention.