The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has heard this Friday in The Hague that Israel must ensure the preservation of evidence of alleged genocide in Gaza.
Judge Donoghue ordered Israel to report to the court within one month. She also said measures must be taken to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
She said it must ensure “with immediate effect” that its forces do not commit any of the acts covered by the convention.
It's a victory for South Africa.
The case will be prosecuted further on accusation of genocide committed by Israel against the Palestinians in Gaza.
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More from Reuters:
World Court says Israel must take steps to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza
THE HAGUE, Jan 26 (Reuters) - The World Court on Friday ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide as it wages war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip.
The court said Israel must ensure its forces do not commit genocide and take measures to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians in the enclave.
The court did not rule on the core of the case brought by South Africa - whether genocide has occurred in Gaza. But it recognised the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide.
In bringing the case to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), South Africa had requested an immediate halt to Israel's military operation, which has laid waste to much of the enclave and killed more than 25,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. The court did not grant that.
Israel had asked the court to reject the case outright, saying it respects international law and has a right to defend itself.
South Africa argued two weeks ago that Israel's aerial and ground offensive was aimed to bring about "the destruction of the population" of Gaza.
Israel unleashed its war in Gaza after a cross-border rampage on Oct. 7 by Hamas militants. Israeli officials said 1,200 people were killed, mostly civilians, and 240 taken hostage.
Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg in The Hague, Anthony Deutsch and Bart Meijer in Amsterdam
Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Angus MacSwan
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