@guardian: The UN's top court, the international court of justice (ICJ), has ordered Israel to 'take all measures within its power' to ensure its forces do not commit acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. It also ordered Israel to take measures to prevent and punish the direct incitement of genocide in the war. However, the interim ruling on South Africa’s allegation that the war in Gaza amounts to genocide against Palestinians stopped short of ordering a halt to Israeli military action in Gaza. South Africa had asked the court to order an immediate ceasefire. The presiding judge, Joan Donoghue, said the court was "deeply concerned" by the continuing loss of life and human suffering, and ruled that it would not grant Israel's request to throw out the case. The court also ordered immediate measures to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. South Africa described the ruling in The Hague as a “decisive victory” for the international rule of law and said it sincerely hoped Israel would not frustrate the application of the order. Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu said: “We will continue to defend ourselves and our citizens while adhering to international law,” adding that the ICJ’s willingness to discuss genocide claims against Israel was “a disgrace that will not be erased for generations”. The ICJ rulings are binding and cannot be appealed against, although the court has no power to enforce them. To read our full coverage tap the link in bio.

The Guardian

Open In TikTok:

Region: GB

Friday 26 January 2024 15:11:34 GMT