Rhino: Agencies – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said on Thursday that it will deliver its judgement on Friday on South Africa’s request for an order to halt Israel’s attack on Rafah in the Gaza Strip.

In hearings held last week, South Africa asked the ICJ to order a halt to the Israeli offensive on the Gaza Strip, and on Rafah in particular, in order to ensure the survival of the Palestinian people.

The request for this emergency measure is part of a larger case filed by South Africa before the court in The Hague accusing Israel of committing genocide.

‘There is no force on earth that can prevent Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza,’ an Israeli government spokesperson said in Jerusalem ahead of the decision.

ICJ decisions have been ignored in the past. The court has no means of enforcing its decisions, but it carries international weight. A judgement against Israel could increase its political isolation after a series of setbacks this week.