The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has announced a long-awaited verdict concerning the war in Gaza, determining that Israel’s actions are subject to the rules of the Genocide Convention.
In a clear message from the court’s 17 judges, Israel has been instructed to halt activities that could be classified under the genocide convention and to improve the humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
Summary
- Israeli military must cease attacks targeting Palestinians.
- No promoting of hostility towards Palestinians as a collective group.
- Continued provision of humanitarian assistance is necessary.
- Preservation of evidence is crucial.
- Israel is required to respond to the court within a month.
The court’s directives specified that Israel must stop any acts that fall within Article II of the Genocide Convention concerning the Palestinian people, a group protected by the said convention.
The ICJ acknowledged that Palestinians are safeguarded by international treaties, paving the way for a case to be brought forward on possible breaches of their rights during the Israel-Gaza conflict.
Moreover, the court demanded the release of individuals taken hostage during the October 7 attacks that ignited the latest conflict. Palestinian representatives have praised the decision, affirming the principle that no country is exempt from international law.
While the verdict has been welcomed by many, Israel has dismissed the court’s request to cease its military operations, asserting its ‘right to self-defense’. Meanwhile, South Africa, which presented the case to the ICJ, has described the decision as a significant triumph for the international legal system.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with continuous bombardment by Israeli forces in densely populated areas. Israel states that it has located and destroyed tunnels and other infrastructure, but Palestinian sources report challenges in reaching injured persons due to blocked access to hospitals.
