Image Credits : Business Standard
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued a notable decision on Friday, instructing Israel to take proactive measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and to enhance the humanitarian conditions in the region. However, the court refrained from mandating a ceasefire, a request that South Africa had pressed for in its case presented to the ICJ.
South Africa initiated the case earlier this month, seeking urgent measures from the ICJ to halt the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian factions. According to South Africa’s assertions, the conflict has resulted in the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians.
In its case, South Africa accused Israel of orchestrating state-led genocide in its offensive against Palestinians. This offensive was launched following an incursion by Hamas militants into Israel, which resulted in the killing of 1,200 people and the kidnapping of over 240 others. Israel vehemently denied these accusations and sought to have the case dismissed.
In the ICJ’s ruling, the judges mandated that Israel must take all necessary steps within its capacity to prevent its troops from committing genocide and to hold accountable those responsible for such acts. Additionally, Israel was directed to take action to ameliorate the humanitarian situation in the region.
Despite the directive to prevent genocide, the ICJ refrained from issuing a ceasefire order. However, it declared that it would not dismiss the genocide case, recognizing that Palestinians appeared to be a protected group under the 1948 Genocide Convention. Importantly, the court did not reach a final decision on the merits of the genocide allegations.
In response to South Africa’s allegations, Israel vehemently refuted them as false and “grossly distorted.” The Israeli government emphasized its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties and asserted that it makes every effort to avoid harming non-combatants during its military operations.