UN International Court of Justice calls on Israel to stop genocide in Gaza, but does not impose immediate ceasefire

The UN International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip, but did not order an immediate ceasefire. This was reported by the BBC.


On Friday, the International Court of Justice recognized that it has jurisdiction to hear a case in which South Africa accused Israel of genocide against the Palestinian population.


The Court recognized that Israel must "take all measures within its power" to prevent acts consistent with the Genocide Convention. However, there was no expressed obligation to cease fire immediately.


The court's decision stipulates that Israel must immediately ensure that its forces avoid any acts that fall under the Genocide Convention.


The court also demands that measures be taken to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.


"The Court is acutely aware of the scale of the human tragedy unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned by the ongoing loss of life and human suffering," said President of the Court Joan Donoghue.


Friday's decision is an interim one. The full consideration of the case filed by South Africa may take years. Israel rejects the genocide charges and has asked the court to drop them.