The International Court of Justice issued an interim ruling on Friday, stating that Israel must take all necessary measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, following a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of committing genocide in the territory.

The decision made by the ICJ didn’t require Israel to end its military campaign in the region, but they did order six provisional measures under Article 41 in the 29-page interim ruling. 

“At least some of the acts and omissions alleged by South Africa to have been committed by Israel in Gaza appear to be capable of falling within the provisions of the (Genocide) Convention,” the ICJ judges ruled.

Israel is required to adhere to Article II of the1948 Genocide Convention, condemn and punish any “ direct and public incitement to commit genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza, facilitate humanitarian aid access, preserve evidence, and report all actions taken to the ICJ within a month.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denied the genocide charge made by South Africa, claiming it’s “outrageous” for the judges even to hear the case. In court, Israel’s lawyers argued that this claim of genocide isn’t true as their military has worked to preserve civilian lives in Gaza. 

“Israel is accused of genocide at a time when it is fighting against genocide,” said Netanyahu in reference to the attack made by Hamas on October 7. 

The interim ruling has increased international pressure on Netanyahu to cease Israel’s attack on Hamas. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said that the ICJ had “ruled in favor of humanity and international law.”

Meanwhile, other global actors such as the United States are defending Israel’s military campaign in the Gaza Strip. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that South Africa’s accusations are “meritless” and “counterproductive.” President Joe Biden has attempted to find balance in this matter by offering support to the Israeli people while also seeking to push back against any extreme measures.

“Justice must be done. I caution this while I feel rage, don’t be consumed by it. After 911, we were enraged in the United States. While we sought justice, and got justice, we also made mistakes,” said President Biden during his speech in Israel.

Even though the decisions made by the ICJ are binding, the court has few means of enforcement. The final broader genocide ruling by the ICJ won’t be decided for years to come.

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