International Court of Justice calls to protect Palestinians from “real and imminent danger” of genocide

Rarely has an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) been so awaited. Following a referral by South Africa to the UN Supreme Court, which accused Israel of genocide in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians and their supporters hoped that judges at The Hague would order the Hebrew state to end its operations in the coastal territory. Israel and its supporters, for their part, wanted to believe that the magistrate would dismiss Pretoria’s request as baseless and bury the case.

The results are mixed. The ICJ did not call for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza, but it recognized South Africa’s approach, noting that “Real and imminent danger” For the rights of Palestinians, including their protection against genocide. To this end, the magistrates pronounced six precautionary measures, the most important of which was a request to Israel. “Take all measures in its power to stop the commission Acts » Genocide.

Reading the order, the president of the ICJ, American John Donoghue, recalled that at this stage, the judges should not decide the question of whether Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians of Gaza. This important process can take months or even years. But South Africa, which approached the court on December 29, 2023, requested emergency measures and the magistrates granted the request by an overwhelming majority.

The interim protective measures prescribed by the ICJ were adopted by fifteen or sixteen of each of the seventeen judges who ruled on the case. In addition to preventing acts of genocide and ensuring that its military complies with this obligation, the Hague Organization mandates Israel to “Prevent and punish direct and public incitement to commit genocide”.

The judges recalled inflammatory statements made by several senior Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog – “It is the entire nation that is responsible. This is talking about all the citizens who knew nothing and were not involved. It does not exist “- and Yoav Gallant, Minister of Defense – “I removed all limitations (…). We fight human animals (…). We will destroy everything. » Judged the words “inhuman” by South Africa, during arguments held in The Hague on 11 and 12 January.

Pretoria wins “eternal recognition” from the Palestinians

You have 65% of this article left to read. The rest is reserved for subscribers.