ICJ orders Israel to halt Rafah military offensive, open crossing for aid
New Delhi: The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a directive to Israel, demanding an immediate cessation of its military offensive in Rafah and the opening of the Rafah crossing to facilitate humanitarian aid.
Nawaf Salam, the President of the ICJ, announced the court's order, highlighting the worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. The court's order, originally issued on January 26, 2024, and reiterated on March 28, underscored the severe risk of further deterioration in Gaza's humanitarian situation. Since the March order, the situation has only worsened.
The ICJ's ruling saw 13 judges vote in favor of implementing provisional measures outlined in the January and March orders, while two judges dissented. The court's decision mandates Israel to halt its Rafah military operations and ensure the Rafah crossing is opened for the unhindered delivery of essential services and humanitarian aid.
Moreover, the ICJ ordered Israel to guarantee unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip for any United Nations-mandated commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission, or investigative body tasked with investigating allegations of genocide.
The court stated, "Effective measures must be taken to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip for any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission, or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide."
Israel is required to submit a report detailing the implementation of these orders within one month.
The judges who voted in favor of the measures include President Nawaf Salam, and Judges Abraham, Yusuf, Xue, Bhandari, Iwasawa, Nolte, Charlesworth, Brant, Gómez Robledo, Cleveland, Aurescu, and Tladi. Vice-President Sebutinde and Judge ad hoc Barak dissented.
These orders stem from a request by South Africa on May 10 for provisional measures in the case concerning the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip.
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Christmas decorations vandalised by VHP activists at school in Nalbari; Tension in area
Nalbari: Tension prevailed in the Panigaon area of Nalbari district on December 24 after members of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Bajrang Dal allegedly entered the premises of St Mary’s School and vandalised materials prepared for Christmas celebrations.
According to local sources, activists of the VHP and Bajrang Dal entered the school campus ahead of Christmas and raised slogans inside the premises. It is alleged that Christmas-related decorations and materials kept within the school compound were damaged and set on fire.
Eyewitnesses said that members of the Bajrang Dal were the first to enter the campus, during which they allegedly raised slogans such as “Jai Shri Ram,” “Jai Hindu Rashtra,” and “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and burnt items prepared for Christmas celebrations. The incident created panic among local residents and led to concerns over law and order in the area. No injuries have been reported so far.
The incident comes amid reports of similar acts in Nalbari town in recent days, where Christmas decorations displayed at several commercial establishments were allegedly set on fire.
Reacting to the incident, fact-checker Mohammed Zubair said on social media that VHP and Bajrang Dal activists entered St Mary’s School on Christmas Eve, raised slogans and destroyed Christmas decorations. His post drew attention to the incident and sparked wider discussion online.
Police have not yet issued an official statement on the incident. Further details are awaited.
On Christmas Eve, Vishva Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal goons entered St. Mary’s School in Panigaon, Nalbari, chanting slogans like “Jai Shri Ram” and “Jai Hindu Rashtra.” They destroyed and set fire to all Christmas decorations prepared at the school. pic.twitter.com/LQHV7FWUvz
— Mohammed Zubair (@zoo_bear) December 24, 2025
