ICJ to deliver interim ruling on genocide case against Israel on Friday

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue a judgment regarding provisional measures in South Africa's genocide case against Israel on Friday.

The public sitting will take place at 13:00 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands where Judge Joan E. Donoghue, the President of the Court, will deliver the Order.

South Africa has accused Israel of violating the Genocide Convention and has requested provisional measures to protect and preserve rights under the Convention until the merits of the case are determined.

The ICJ's initial ruling, expected at the end of the week, will address emergency measures while the case undergoes a longer review process. The ruling is temporal and not the final decision of the case. The court will have until February 5, 2024, to finalise its decision.

According to South Africa, Israel's actions, particularly its military operations and policies, amount to genocide against the Palestinian population.

South Africa filed nine injunctions to the court. Among them are the demand for an order that would direct Israel to suspend all military operations in Gaza, as well as a separate one that would direct Israel to facilitate and not impede the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Israel, on the other hand, argues that it is justified in defending itself against Hamas, which it claims seeks the destruction of Israel and poses a threat to its civilian population.

South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is aimed at holding Israel accountable for alleged violations of the Genocide Convention. The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations and has the authority to hear disputes between member states on matters covered by international law.

The provisional measures sought by South Africa are meant to provide immediate protection for the rights of the Palestinians and prevent further escalation of the dispute while the ICJ reviews the merits of the case.