The International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a verdict urging Israel to minimize casualties and damage in its offensive in the Gaza Strip and to prevent causing serious harm. However, the court stopped short of mandating a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. This ruling followed a request from South Africa for an immediate halt to military operations in Gaza.
The ICJ's order directs Israel to ensure its armed forces do not commit genocide and to take steps to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel has been instructed to report back to the court within a month on its compliance with the order. Despite this, the ICJ lacks enforcement powers. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the genocide allegation as "outrageous" and reiterated Israel's commitment to self-defense.
The case stemmed from South Africa's accusation that Israel's offensive in Gaza violated the Genocide Convention, with Israel denying the charges and seeking their dismissal. The conflict escalated after Hamas attacked Israeli towns on October 7, resulting in casualties on both sides and widespread destruction in Gaza.
