UN’s top court says Israel must take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza

The News

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday said Israel must take all measures to prevent genocide in Gaza in a preliminary ruling in response to a landmark case brought by South Africa.

The court also said Israel must allow humanitarian access in Gaza and “prevent and punish” any incitement to genocide. It stopped short of issuing emergency measures for Israel to stop its military activities in the enclave.

The ruling is not enforceable by the court, and Israel, which has strongly rejected Pretoria’s allegations, is believed unlikely to comply with any orders.

The interim decision by the ICJ, the United Nations’ top court, is the first in a case that will likely take years to reach a final ruling on South Africa’s allegation of genocide.

Hamas-run Gaza’s health ministry says at least 26,000 people have been killed by Israel’s strikes, which were launched after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel left around 1,200 people dead.