In a scheduled session in The Hague, Netherlands, today, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the United Nations’ judicial body, may issue an order for Israel to cease its Gaza offensive. The ICJ comprises 17 judges from different nations, including one each from South Africa and Israel.
The current case, brought to the UN’s highest court by South Africa, accuses Israel of state-led genocide in Gaza. The judges will rule on South Africa’s request for “provisional measures” against Israel, potentially leading to an order for Israel to halt its military campaign in the Palestinian territory. However, the court will not determine today whether Israel has committed acts of genocide, a process that could extend over several years.
South Africa has urgently sought measures, including the suspension of military operations in Gaza by Israel, a prohibition on escalating military actions, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid entry into the Palestinian territory. While a full ceasefire order might not be issued, the court could potentially mandate Israel to permit sufficient humanitarian relief into the besieged enclave.
It’s important to note that while the ICJ’s decisions are final with no possibility of appeal, the court lacks means to enforce its rulings. Israel has contested the court’s jurisdiction in this case, dismissing South Africa’s genocide allegations as “grossly distorted” and “blood libel.” Hamas has indicated its willingness to adhere to any ceasefire orders from the ICJ if Israel does likewise. However, the court could also decide that it lacks jurisdiction over the case.
