The ICJ also demanded that humanitarian assistance be allowed into Gaza
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued its first ruling on South Africa’s case against Israel on Friday, ordering the Jewish state to take all necessary actions to prevent genocide in Gaza. The court did not, however, order Israel to cease its military operation against Hamas.
A panel of 17 judges agreed that the court, based in The Hague, has jurisdiction to hear South Africa’s case, and passed seven “emergency measures” requested by Pretoria. In addition to demanding that Israel refrain from committing genocide, the judges ordered the Jewish state to punish members of its military who commit genocidal acts, as well as officials who publicly call for the genocide of the Palestinians. Israel must also preserve evidence of any genocidal acts already committed, the ruling stated.
The judges also ruled that Israel “shall take immediate and effective measures to address adverse conditions to life in the Gaza Strip.” West Jerusalem was further ordered to report back to the court in a month with an update on what it is doing to comply with these measures.
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