ICJ orders Israel to 'take all measures in its power' to prevent killing of Palestinians
Israel has thus been ordered to ensure that its army does not commit genocidal acts, and that it will punish those who incite such acts.
President Donoghue (2nd L) and other judges during a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on a request by South Africa for emergency measures for Gaza. Picture: REMKO DE WAAL / ANP MAG / ANP via AFP
CAPE TOWN - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has stopped short of ordering a ceasefire in Gaza.
But it has acceded to South Africa’s request for interim measures to prevent further loss of life and the destruction of Palestinian society.
Israel has also been ordered to report back to the court within one month on how it is implementing the court’s order to avoid genocidal acts in the occupied territory.
In delivering its order in The Hague on Friday, the International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to take all measures in its power to prevent the killing of Palestinians, and of causing mental and physical harm.
By 15 votes to 2 - the #ICJ orders Israel to deliver a report to the court within one month of this order on the measures it's taking to prevent the loss of life and in fulfilling the court's order. LD
— EWN Reporter (@ewnreporter) January 26, 2024
Court President Joan Donoghue said in agreeing to provisional measures, the court only needed to agree there’s a prima facie case that the rights of Palestinians are not being upheld under the genocide convention.
"The court reaffirms that the decision given in the present proceedings in no way prejudges the question of the jurisdiction of the court to deal with the merits of the case, or any questions related to the admissibility of the application or to the merits themselves."
Israel has thus been ordered to ensure that its army does not commit genocidal acts, and that it will punish those who incite such acts.
It’s also been ordered to ensure preservation of any evidence of genocide.
"By 15 votes to two - the state of Israel shall submit a report to the court on all measures taken to give effect to this order within one month of the date of the order."
The court has reminded Israel that its order is binding under international law.