Johannesburg – The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide in its operations in Gaza.
In a televised ruling, the ICJ gave six orders regarding the emergency relief sought by South Africa, which was resoundingly voted for by most of the 17 judges that adjudicated the matter.
The two judges who voted against the ruling were from Uganda and Israel.
Presiding Judge Joan Donoghue said the court has jurisdiction to rule over emergency measures and will not throw away the case, as Israel requested.
Although the court did not call for an immediate cessation of Israel’s operations in Gaza, the verdict was a victory for South Africa, which sought emergency relief for the people of Palestine.
The ICJ ordered the following measures against Israel:
- that Israel shall take all measures to prevent all acts of genocide
- ensure the Israeli Defence Force does not commit acts of genocide
- take all measures to prevent and punish incitement to genocide
- take immediate and effective measures to allow basic services and humanitarian assistance to Gaza
- preserve evidence
- Isreal shall submit a report on all measures taken to give effect to ICJ order within one month
The ICJ said South Africa had proved there was a plausible case of genocide and Israel must respect the UN Genocide Convention.
Israel, supported by the United States, has consistently said their retaliatory bombings and ground operations were a legitimate form of self-defence in response to the October 7 attacks by Hamas that left over 1 200 Israelis dead and over 200 abducted.
The ICJ said Hamas must immediately release the hostages it abducted during its daring attack on Israel.
The Gaza Health Ministry on Friday said since the October 7 attacks, at least 26 083 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes and ground operations.
As many as 64 487 others have been injured in Israeli strikes.
Some 183 Palestinians were killed and 377 injured in Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours, the ministry added.
The ICJ agreed there was a human tragedy unfolding in Gaza and the court said it was deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering.
However, the World court cautioned that its ruling today does not in any way point to a conclusion on the main matter brought by South Africa accusing Israel of committing acts of genocide against the people of Palestine.
While the ruling is binding on all signatory members, including Israel, observers warn there is no mechanism to enforce it.
REACTIONS TO THE ICJ RULING:
FULL ORDER OF THE ICJ BELOW: