UN court orders Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, stops short of demanding ceasefire

The UN International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a ruling that Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Residents carry out a search and rescue operation around the rubble of the destroyed house of the Palestinian al-Tawil family following the Israeli attack on the Nuseirat refugee camp in Deir al-Balah, Gaza on January 25, 2024.

Photo: Ashraf Amra / Anadolu

This decision comes in response to a request by South Africa for emergency measures against Israel over the Gaza war. The court's ruling, delivered by a vote of 15-2, does not include an order for a ceasefire in Gaza.

The Palestinian Authority welcomed the ruling, stating it as a reminder that "no state is above the law."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in response, criticized the court's decision, declaring Israel's commitment to international law and its right to defend itself. He labeled the genocide accusation against Israel as false and outrageous.

Source: PAP