While the ICJ stopped short of ordering a ceasefire, something that South Africa had demanded, AP reports that the panel of 17 judges ordered 6 provisional measures they said Israel must abide by to prevent death of Palestinians and provide aid to civilians in Gaza. Most measures were approved by a majority of the judges, including 2 that an Israeli judge voted in favor of.
Just this week, Hamas had rejected Israel's proposal of a 2-month ceasefire and the return of Palestinian terrorists in exchange for Israeli hostages.
“The court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering,” Joan E. Donoghue, the court’s president, said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded that the ICJ's willingness to entertain accusations of genocide while Israel protects its state was a "mark of shame that will not be erased for generations."
"We will continue to do what is necessary to defend our country and defend our people,” he said. “Like every country, Israel has the basic right to defend itself. The court in the Hague rightfully rejected the outrageous request to take that away from us."
The ICJ ordered Israel to report back on the measures taken to abide by these provisions in a month. Israel has vehemently rejected the allegations of genocide.
