The International Court of Justice has issued an order requiring Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.

However, the court stopped short of demanding an immediate halt to the ongoing conflict.

This decision came as part of a contentious case brought before the ICJ by South Africa.

South Africa had petitioned the court to demand an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations, pending a thorough examination of whether Israel has committed acts of genocide in Gaza.

Israel vehemently rejected the accusations, dismissing them as “wholly unfounded.”

Verdict timing

Friday’s hearing at The Hague marked the first ruling by the ICJ in this case, which commenced two weeks ago.

A verdict on the central allegation of genocide is anticipated to take considerably longer, possibly spanning years.

While the ICJ did not call for an immediate cessation of Israeli military actions, as requested by South Africa, the decision is being viewed as a partial victory for those supporting South Africa’s stance.

The ICJ determined that it had jurisdiction over the matter and acknowledged the existence of a plausible case under the 1948 Genocide Convention.

The court expressed concern that the Palestinian population in Gaza faces a genuine risk of irreparable harm.

South Africa hailed the ICJ’s decision as a “momentous” step towards the implementation of international rule of law, describing it as a “significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.”

Wake-up call

The Palestinian foreign minister emphasized that the ruling underscores that “no state is above the law” and should serve as a wake-up call for Israel and its supporters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address the ruling but reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to international law and its dedication to defending the country. He categorically rejected South Africa’s allegations of genocide as “false and outrageous.”

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant dismissed the ruling, asserting that Israel does not require lessons in morality and can differentiate between terrorists and civilians in Gaza.

Hamas, the Palestinian group responsible for the conflict’s escalation on October 7, acknowledged the outcome as “important” and believed it would contribute to “isolating Israel.”