ICJ rules Israel must 'take all measures' to prevent genocide, stops short of ordering Gaza cease-fire
South Africa had filed a case with the court earlier this month arguing that Israel’s military operation in Gaza amounted to a state-led genocide.
THE HAGUE, Netherlands — The International Court of Justice ruled Friday to grant some of the emergency measures requested by South Africa in its case against Israel at the United Nations’ top court.
The court ruled that Israel must prevent and punish incitement to genocide and increase aid to the Gaza Strip.
Notably, the ICJ did not call for a cease-fire in Gaza, per the South Africans' request, but ordered Israel to take immediate steps to ensure compliance with the Genocide Convention. The convention was established in 1948 after atrocities committed during World War II, including the Holocaust.
The court ultimately ruled that it has jurisdiction to consider the case. "The court cannot accede to Israel's request that it not entertain the application," ICJ President Judge Joan E. Donoghue said at the opening of the session.
