Somalia commends ICJ decision against Israeli genocide in Gaza

The government of Somalia has welcomed the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) Friday decision ordering Israeli forces to refrain from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In a statement on Saturday, Somalia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation fully endorsed the rule, hailing it as a substantial stride towards holding those responsible accountable for the war crimes committed against Palestinians.

"The Federal Republic of Somalia extends its wholehearted support for the recent decision by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to assert primary jurisdiction in investigating Israel's commission of genocide in the Gaza Strip," the statement, dated January 27, 2024, reads in part. "This landmark ruling marks a significant step towards accountability for the atrocities committed against the Palestinian people."

Mogadishu likewise advocated for the introduction of interim measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of Palestinians in Gaza. "Somalia stands firm in demanding the immediate implementation of temporary measures to safeguard the rights and well-being of Palestinians, with a primary focus on halting Israel's egregious acts of violence, subjugation, and destruction aimed at the physical and moral obliteration of innocent lives," said Somalia's Foreign Affairs Ministry.

On Friday, apart from instructing Israel to refrain from genocide acts, ICJ likewise ordered Israel to introduce measures to enhance the humanitarian conditions for Palestinians in Gaza and to curb any public incitements to commit genocide.

"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 judges said as per Reuters. Israel must now present a report to the court detailing the actions taken to adhere to the orders within a month of the ruling.

"While the ICJ's decisions are final and without appeal, the court has no way to enforce them," said Reuters.