ICJ Says Israel Must Take Steps to Prevent Genocide in Gaza

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Facts

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled on Friday that Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians in its war against Hamas in Gaza, adding that Israel needs to take steps to improve the humanitarian situation alongside other requirements.¹
• This judgment on the eve of International Holocaust Remembrance Day comes as South Africa brought a genocide case against Israel, alleging that its military actions in the Gaza Strip violate international law — including the Genocide Convention.²
• Though falling short of ordering a cease-fire as requested, the ruling did stipulate provisional measures to be carried out by Israel to help ease tensions and the consequences of the conflict that has reportedly claimed the lives of more than 26K people in Gaza since Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that killed 1.2K people in Israel. Additionally, the court called on Hamas to release hostages who are still in captivity.²
• Aside from ordering Israel to immediately ensure its military doesn't carry out acts that fall under the definition of genocide, the court urged Israel to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, to prevent and punish inflammatory speech, to preserve evidence related to allegations of genocide, and to submit, within a month, a report on progress on all requirements.³
• While initial reactions to the 29-page interim ruling were mixed among Palestinians, Israeli officials criticized the court. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu argued that it was outrageous for the judicial panel to even hear the case, and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said that his country did not need 'to be lectured on morality.'⁴
• The directives from the ICJ are legally binding but the court itself has no power to enforce them. However, if Israel decides not to comply with the provisional measures, pressure may mount on its Western allies to uphold the rules-based international order.⁵

Sources: ¹Reuters, ²Associated Press, ³CBS, ⁴New York Times and ⁵Al Jazeera.

Narratives

• Pro-Palestine narrative, as provided by Intercept. This is a landmark and historic ruling, not only in constituting a serious legal defeat for Israel but also by ordering it to take action to prevent further harm to the Palestinians who have already suffered for too long. It might take years for a full genocide ruling, but these provisional measures are definitely a step in the right direction.
• Pro-Israel narrative, as provided by Jerusalem Post. This is an outlandish and outrageous ruling from the International Court of Justice. Under international law, which Israel is unwaveringly committed to following, the country is entitled to defend itself from attack. Meanwhile, it's Hamas that's intent on wiping out the Jewish population. Israel will continue to respond to these existential threats.

Predictions