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The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to limit damage to Palestinians in Gaza in a politically explosive South African case alleging the country is committing genocide in the enclave.
In a hearing on Friday in The Hague, the 17-member panel of judges also ruled that Israel should take measures to “prevent and punish” incitement to genocide and to ensure the provision of essential services and humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
However, the court refused to grant South Africa's request that Israel “immediately cease” its military operations in the enclave.
“The court is acutely aware of the scale of the human tragedy unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned by the ongoing loss of life,” said Joan Donoghue, the court’s president.
Friday's decision only relates to South Africa's request to apply emergency measures while the case is heard. A final decision on Pretoria's accusation that Israel is committing genocide is likely to take years.
Israel has angrily rejected the claims as “deeply distorted” and insisted it was acting in self-defense after the rampage by Hamas militants that sparked the war. It has also argued that its forces in Gaza are complying with international law and that it is trying to minimize harm to civilians.
This is a developing story