International Court of Justice on Friday ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevented acts of genocide as it wages war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
The court said Israel must ensure its forces do not commit genocide and take measures to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians in the enclave.
The court did not rule on the core of the case brought by South Africa – whether genocide has occurred in Gaza.
But it recognised the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide.
In bringing the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South Africa had requested an immediate halt to Israel’s military operation, which has laid waste to much of the enclave and killed more than 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The court did not grant that.
Israel had asked the court to reject the case outright, saying it respects international law and has a right to defend itself.
South Africa argued two weeks ago that Israel’s aerial and ground offensive was aimed to bring about “the destruction of the population” of Gaza.
Details later…
Reuters
