The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a provisional ruling on Friday, ordering Israel to take urgent measures to prevent genocide against Palestinians and to halt its military operation in Gaza.
The ruling came in response to a request by South Africa, which accused Israel of committing genocide and violating the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. South Africa also asked the court to order a cease-fire and to ensure humanitarian access to Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ), the primary judicial body of the United Nations, determined that it possesses prima facie jurisdiction to address the case and identified a potential risk of irreparable harm to the Palestinian people. The court mandated that Israel cease attacks on Palestinians, avoid actions that may escalate the situation or jeopardize civilian lives, halt the incitement of hatred and violence against Palestinians, uphold their human rights and dignity, ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to Gaza, facilitate the evacuation of the wounded and deceased, preserve evidence of its actions, cooperate with the UN fact-finding mission and other international investigations, and submit a report to the court within one month detailing the implementation of provisional measures.
The court stressed that its ruling was not a final judgment on the merits of the case, but a provisional measure to protect the rights of the parties pending the final decision. The court also emphasized that its ruling did not prejudice the right of self-determination of the Palestinian people or the status of the occupied Palestinian territory.
The ruling was welcomed by South Africa and the Palestinian Authority, which hailed it as a historic victory for justice and human rights. They urged Israel to comply with the court’s order and to end its aggression and occupation.
Israel, however, rejected the ruling as biased and politically motivated. It argued that the court had no jurisdiction over the case and that its military operation was a legitimate response to Hamas’ rocket attacks. It accused South Africa of abusing the court’s process and of supporting terrorism.
The ICJ’s ruling is not legally binding, but it carries moral and political weight. It is expected to increase the international pressure on Israel to stop its war in Gaza, which has killed more than 4,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and displaced more than half a million people.