LONDON

Belgium’s foreign minister on Friday called for the “immediate” implementation of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling for Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip.

"The violence and human suffering in Gaza must stop. We call for a ceasefire, the release of the hostages and negotiations for two States," Hadja Lahbib said on X.

On Friday, the ICJ ordered Israel to halt its military offensive in Rafah, open the Rafah crossing, and allow access to international fact-finding missions.

The court also reiterated its concern over the fate of the hostages abducted on Oct. 7 and called for their "immediate and unconditional" release.

Israel has continued its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire in the enclave.

At least 35,800 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children, and over 80,200 others injured since last October following an attack by the Palestinian group Hamas.

More than seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine.

Israel is accused of genocide at the ICJ, which has ordered it to ensure that its forces do not commit acts of genocide and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided to civilians in Gaza.