"I welcome the further provisional measures ordered today by the International Court of Justice in the South Africa vs Israel case.

"The orders are crystal clear.

"The Court has ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.

"It has ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance.

"And it has ordered Israel to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide.

"The view of the international community has long been clear on these issues. Universally, partners have urged Israel not to proceed with its offensive in Rafah and to ensure full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access in Gaza.

"Israel has chosen to disregard these requests but it cannot choose to disregard the orders from the International Court of Justice. These are legally binding. They must be complied with.

"It is my heartfelt hope that we are reaching a turning point in this devastating conflict. All parties must, with the utmost urgency, intensify efforts to secure an immediate ceasefire, the unconditional release of hostages and massively scaled-up access and distribution of humanitarian aid.

"It is time to take concrete and irreversible steps to implement a two-state solution. This will be my focus when I meet with European and Arab partners in Brussels in the coming days."