The South African government on Tuesday made an urgent request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to consider whether Israel’s decision to extend its military operations in Rafah requires the court to use its power to prevent further imminent breach of the rights of Palestinians in Gaza.

Last month, in a case brought by South Africa, the ICJ ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

In a request submitted to the court on Monday, the South African government said it was “gravely concerned” that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah had already led to, and will result in, further large-scale killing, harm and destruction.

The Presidency said this would be in serious and irreparable breach of the Genocide Convention and of the court's January Order.

South Africa expressed the urgency of its request to the court in light of the daily death toll in Gaza.