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Verdict Expected on Friday in Israel-Gaza Genocide Case

Published

3 months ago

January 25, 2024

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will hand down its ruling in the genocide case this Friday. As per Jacaranda FM, this ruling is likely to draw global attention.

The ICJ in The Hague may potentially issue orders, legally binding and unappealable, requiring Israel to halt its military campaign in Gaza, which was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas attack on October 7. South Africa initiated the case, accusing Israel of violating the UN’s Genocide Convention established in 1948 as a response to the Holocaust.

Also read: Lamola Responds to US Claims in SA’s Genocide Case

Pretoria seeks “provisional measures” from the ICJ, emergency orders to protect Palestinians in Gaza from potential breaches of the convention. While ICJ rulings are binding, enforcement power is limited. Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has indicated a lack of willingness to comply with any ICJ order.

The court is solely addressing South Africa’s plea for emergency measures, not the fundamental question of whether Israel is committing genocide, which remains a more extended-term consideration. A ruling against Israel could escalate political pressure, possibly paving the way for sanctions. The verdict will have significant implications for international justice.

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