THE HAGUE, Netherlands: The top United Nations court on Friday ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to stop acts of genocide in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice in its interim order also ordered Israel to improve the humanitarian situation in the besieged Palestinian territory.
A panel of 17-judges said that it has jurisdiction to rule over emergency measures sought by South Africa in its case against Israel’s war in Gaza. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) said it would not dismiss the case, as Israel requested.
Joan E. Donoghue, the court’s president, said, the ICJ is fully aware of the extent of the human tragedy in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human lives.
The court noted Palestinians appear to be a protected group under the Genocide Convention, stressing it recognizes the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from all acts of genocide.
South Africa expresses joy over ICJ decision
President of South Africa Cyril Ramaphosa and the ruling council of South Africa erupted in cheers, singing and dancing after the ICJ decision.
Today marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people.
Statement by South Africa welcoming the provisional measures ordered by the #ICJ against Israel
READ | https://t.co/omMKCe2lXO pic.twitter.com/00qoyzgXwq
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) January 26, 2024
South African foreign ministry hailing the United Nations’ top court ruling termed it a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant step for justice for the Palestinian people.
The African National Congress National Executive Committee also suspended a session to watch a broadcast from the court in the The Hague, and live footage from the event showing senior party and government figures celebrating the verdict.
LIVE | The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivers its order on South Africa’s genocide case against Israel.https://t.co/YpltiwOyR4
— DIRCO South Africa (@DIRCO_ZA) January 26, 2024
On December 29, South Africa filed a case in the ICJ requesting an order against Israel on the grounds that Israel’s attacks on Gaza are against the Genocide Convention.
The African nation also requested that the court to grant an injunction because of the urgency of the situation. After the completion of hearings on January 11-12, the court issued an interim order.
According to the Gaza health ministry in Gaza more than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Strip in the war between Hamas and Israel.
The increasing death toll and dire humanitarian situation have led to growing international pressure on Israel to scale back the offensive.
According to the UN figures, 1.9 million people in Gaza, or nearly 85 percent of the population, are estimated to be internally displaced by the end of 2023.
The figures include Palestinian people who have been displaced multiple times, as families are forced to move repeatedly in search of safety.
The Israeli raids have almost destroyed entire neighborhoods in northern Gaza. Israeli ground troops have been facing heavy resistance from Hamas fighters in the area.
