Israel-Hamas war: ICJ hands down ruling on call for Israel to stop military action

Summary

The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocidal activities and provide humanitarian assistance in Gaza, following a case brought by South Africa alleging Israel committed genocide that left over 26,000 dead. The court expressed concern over loss of life and said Israel must prevent direct incitement of genocide. The measures are interim as the court has not ruled whether genocide occurred. Hundreds of protesters outside the court cheered the order. Legal experts say a final verdict could take 2-3 years.

Takeaways

• 😳 International Court of Justice orders Israel to halt military operations in Gaza and prevent genocidal activities
• 😥 Court expresses concern over continued loss of life in Gaza, with over 26,000 dead since October
• 👉 South Africa seeking provisional ceasefire measure from ICJ as part of genocide case against Israel
• 🤔 Court rules it has jurisdiction over the case, says some allegations fall under genocide convention
• 🇮🇱 Israel ordered to submit report within 1 month on complying with measures imposed by court
• 😐 No specific order yet for ceasefire, despite South Africa's request
• 😓 Hundreds of protesters from both sides outside court during proceedings
• ✅ Key measures focus on preventing genocide, protecting evidence, and providing humanitarian assistance
• ⏳ Final verdict could take 2-3 years; current measures are interim only
• 👍 Court's current order largely aligns with South Africa's requested provisional measures

Q & A

What case is South Africa bringing against Israel to the ICJ?

South Africa is seeking interim measures from the ICJ to halt Israel's military operation in Gaza in a genocide case.

What has the ICJ said so far about its jurisdiction over the case?

The ICJ president said the court has jurisdiction to rule over emergency measures in Israel's genocide case, as Palestinians appear to be a protected group under the Genocide Convention.

What provisional measure is South Africa seeking from the ICJ?

South Africa is seeking a provisional measure of ceasefire from the ICJ.

How many people have died in Israel's military campaign in Gaza since October 7th?

Over 26,000 people have died in Israel's military campaign in Gaza since October 7th.

What measures has the ICJ ordered Israel to take?

The ICJ has ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent genocidal activities, provide humanitarian support, prevent direct incitement of genocide, and prevent destruction of evidence.

Did the ICJ order a ceasefire?

No, the ICJ did not order a ceasefire in its verdict so far.

How long will the ICJ's interim measures be in place?

The interim measures will be in place until the ICJ reaches a final verdict, which could take 2-3 years.

Why are there protesters outside the Peace Palace?

There are hundreds of protesters from both sides outside the Peace Palace, many cheering the ICJ's order.

What video evidence did South Africa submit along with its case?

South Africa submitted video clips of Israeli ministers allegedly calling for genocide in Palestinian territories.

Does the ICJ's order mean it has ruled on the genocide accusations?

No, the ICJ said its interim order does not mean it is ruling on the original genocide accusations against Israel.