South Africa says UN top court’s ruling is ‘de facto call for ceasefire’

South Africa has welcomed the ICJ's ruling asking for a halt to Israel's offensive on Rafah. 

“This order is groundbreaking, as it is the first time that explicit mention is made for Israel to halt its military action in any area of Gaza,” said Zane Dangor, director general of South Africa's Ministry of International Relations.

Dangor said the ruling by the UN’s top court was “de facto calling for a ceasefire”.

“It is ordering the major party in this conflict to end its belligerent action against the people of Palestine,” he said.