The court also ordered Israel to submit a report within one month on the measures it is taking.
“In accordance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention with respect to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, Israel must take all measures within its power to prevent acts under article 2 of the Convention, in particular a) the killing of members of the group; b) causing serious physical or mental harm to members of the group; c) subjecting the group to living conditions that are considered to result in the physical destruction of the group in whole or in part; d) the imposition of measures aimed at preventing intra-group births,” the International Court of Justice's judgment said on Friday.
The court said it had jurisdiction to rule on the case and would not dismiss it despite Israel's request.
“Israel must immediately ensure that its armed forces do not commit the aforementioned acts,” it continued, adding that Israel must take steps to prevent incitement to genocide against Palestinians.
The World Court's decision came in response to a full lawsuit filed by the South African government on December 29th accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinian people. The court heard South Africa's application on January 11 and Israel's response on January 12.
ICJ decisions are final and “binding on the parties involved” and there is no right of appeal. Although the World Court does not have the means to directly enforce its judgments, its judgments often result in significant reputational damage to defendants.
The court also said it was “gravely concerned” for the well-being of more than 200 Israeli hostages abducted by Palestinian militants Hamas in the October 7 terrorist attack that triggered Israel's retaliatory military response in the Gaza Strip. Stated. The World Court called for the immediate release of the prisoners.
There are growing questions internationally about the proportionality of Israel's military activity in the Gaza Strip and the extent to which it minimizes civilian casualties.
At least 23,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, while humanitarian agencies have warned of widespread disease, overcrowded shelters and severe shortages of food and power resources. There is.
Israel denies the claims, and the Israeli military has repeatedly asserted its right to self-defense. They claim that Hamas forces deliberately entrench themselves in non-combatant facilities in the Gaza Strip, such as schools and hospitals, and use civilians as human shields.
This is a breaking news item and is being updated.