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On January 26, the U.N.’s top court ruled that Israel must take action to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza and facilitate urgent humanitarian aid.
The court urged Israel to refrain from potential genocidal acts during its military operation in Gaza but did not mandate a ceasefire.
Israel was instructed to implement immediate measures to provide essential services and humanitarian assistance to address the challenging living conditions faced by Palestinians.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) clarified that it was not currently assessing whether Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, and this process would unfold over several years.
However, the court warned Israel to prevent acts falling under the UN Genocide Convention and to “prevent and punish” any incitement to genocide.
The case, initiated by South Africa, accused Israel of violating the UN Genocide Convention. During hearings earlier this month, South Africa argued that Israel’s actions were “genocidal,” aiming to destroy a substantial part of the Palestinian national, racial, and ethnic group.
South Africa called on the court to order an immediate suspension of Israel’s military operations in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid to reach civilians.
At least 26,083 Palestinians, comprising around 70 percent women, young children, and adolescents, have been killed in Israeli bombardments and ground offensives in the Gaza Strip.