This order follows after a conflict that began on October 7, when Hamas militants launched attacks on Israel from Gaza, leading to approximately 1,160 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP report using Israeli data.

The conflict has severely impacted Gaza, with the ICJ highlighting the rapid onset of famine among Palestinians in the region. The violence has also resulted in significant casualties; Israeli retaliation has led to over 32,552 deaths, mainly among women and children, based on figures from Gaza’s health ministry controlled by Hamas.

Hamas's initial attack included taking about 250 hostages, with Israel estimating that 130, including an assumed 34 fatalities, remain in Gaza. Amidst these escalating tensions, South Africa accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza at the ICJ, a claim Israel denies.

South Africa sought the ICJ's intervention to enforce a ceasefire and ensure humanitarian support for Gaza, leveraging the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.

The ICJ, in a notable ruling earlier this year, demanded Israel prevent genocide and facilitate aid delivery to Gaza, marking a significant international response to the conflict.

However, despite the urgent need for support highlighted by South Africa, the ICJ declined to impose new measures during a follow-up request. The court's ability to enforce its rulings is limited, similar to its unheeded order for Russia to cease its invasion of Ukraine.

Israel has contested South Africa's actions as manipulative of the court's processes. Yet, the ICJ sees the necessity to amend its measures based on the evolving situation in Gaza, stressing the dire humanitarian crisis and the international community's responsibility to act.