The International Court of Justice on Friday said that some of the allegations levelled against Israel fell within the provisions of the Genocide Convention.
A 16-member bench of the World Court was present in the session, out of the 17 judges to announce the verdict on South Africa’s case that the Israeli military operation in Gaza is a state-led genocide.
While the ICJ demanded Israel contain death and damage in the Gaza Strip, it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire.
Earlier, Presiding Judge Joan Donoghue began the proceedings, welcoming the representatives of South Africa and Israel in The Hague.
She said that the court will not throw away the case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.
Judge Donoghue ordered Israel to take all measures to prevent genocide while ensuring that its forces do not commit genocide.
She directed Israel to take immediate measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.
The court also orders Israel to take measures to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in Gaza and report to it within one month on measures it has taken to prevent genocide in the besieged strip.
Israel has called South Africa’s allegations false and “grossly distorted”, and said it makes the utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties. It expressed confidence that the court would “throw out these spurious and specious charges”.
Hamas said it would abide by any ICJ ceasefire order if Israel reciprocates.
As many as 16 judges were present, out of the court’s 17-judge panel in the session.
“Judge Robinson, who duly participated in both the deliberation and final vote, is for reasons made known to me, unable to take his seat on the bench today,” Judge Donoghue said.
