The International Court of Justice (ICJ) of the United Nations stated on Friday that "some of the rights at least that South Africa seeks in its genocide lawsuit against Israel's war on Gaza are logical." During the reading of its ruling concerning the case, the court acknowledged the right of Palestinians in Gaza to protection from genocidal acts. It noted that "Palestinians appear to be a group protected under the Genocide Convention."
The ruling from the ICJ today does not address the primary allegation in the case, which is whether there is "genocide," but will focus on the urgent intervention sought by South Africa. The ICJ ordered Israel to "take all measures within its power to prevent and punish direct incitement to genocide in Gaza." It stated, "Israel must ensure that its forces do not commit genocide and take steps to improve the humanitarian situation."
A significant majority of the 17 judges on the ICJ voted in favor of urgent actions covering most of what South Africa requested, except for the command to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza. The court ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that may fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure that its forces do not commit any genocidal acts in Gaza.
