ICJ Rules in Favor of South Africa, Orders Israel to Halt Military Operations in Gaza

Bradley Chagoya Bradley Chagoya
May 24, 2024 - 18:29
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ICJ Rules in Favor of South Africa, Orders Israel to Halt Military Operations in Gaza
Presiding Judge Nawaf Salam, center, reads the ruling of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands on Friday. Peter Dejong/AP

In a landmark decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled in favor of South Africa in a case against Israel, accusing the latter of committing genocide and displacing civilians in the Gaza Strip. The ICJ has ordered Israel to immediately halt all military operations in Gaza, citing grave concerns for the safety and well-being of the civilian population.

South Africa had brought the case before the ICJ, alleging that Israel's actions in Gaza constituted a violation of international law and amounted to genocide. The court heard testimony from experts and witnesses, including survivors of the conflict, and carefully considered the evidence presented.

In its ruling, the ICJ condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, stating that they were in clear violation of international humanitarian law and human rights law. The court expressed deep concern over the disproportionate use of force by Israel, which has resulted in the deaths of thousands of civilians, including women and children.

Just hours after the judgment was delivered, unconfirmed reports began circulating of further Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, despite the ICJ's order to halt all military operations. The international community is urging Israel to respect the ruling and cease its military actions in Gaza immediately.

South Africa's representative to the ICJ hailed the decision as a major victory for justice and human rights, stating that "this ruling sends a clear message to Israel that its actions will not go unchallenged. The international community will no longer stand idly by while innocent civilians are killed and displaced."

The ICJ's ruling is a significant blow to Israel's actions in Gaza and sets an important precedent for holding states accountable for their actions under international law. The international community is watching closely to see how Israel will respond to the ruling and whether it will comply with the order to halt its military operations in Gaza.