The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to deliver on Friday its much-anticipated ruling on the provisional measures requested by South Africa in its genocide case against Israel.
The court will not be pronouncing a final verdict on the merits of the genocide allegations, but will instead be ruling on the nine provisional measures requested by South Africa.
Notably, South Africa has requested an immediate suspension of military operations “in and against” the Gaza Strip and urged Israel to refrain from impeding the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid into the Palestinian enclave.
The ICJ orders Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide.
It says Israel must ensure its forces do not commit genocide and also ensure the preservation of evidence of alleged genocide.
On the issue of “dehumanising language” used against Palestinians, the ICJ president says the court has taken note of a number of statements made by senior Israeli officials.
As the reading continues, the ICJ president says the court recognises the Palestinians’ right to be protected from acts of genocide.
Judge Donoghue says the court notes that the military operation conducted by Israel has resulted in a large number of deaths and injuries, as well as massive destruction of homes, the forcible displacement of the vast majority of the population and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.
She continues by citing a statement by senior UN official Martin Griffiths where he said “Gaza has become a place of death and despair”.
Judge Donoghue says some allegations against Israel fall within the provisions of the Genocide Convention.
This item is being updated…
RHM/PR
