The ICJ wants Israel to conform to international law in its war against Hamas, but says the war can continue.
The United Nations’ International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday delivered its ruling on South Africa’s genocidal case against Israel.
The court ruled that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its war against Hamas, which has claimed thousands of Palestinian lives.
Despite pressure from the international community, Israel has maintained that it has been executing the war according to international standards.
Reacting to the ruling of the ICJ, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel will “continue to defend ourselves and our citizens while adhering to international law.”
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He also emphasized that his country will “continue this war until absolute victory and until all hostages are returned.’’
South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor hailed the ruling of the court but stated that she would have preferred the inclusion of the word “cessation” in the court’s decision and insisted that “the order doesn’t actually work” if there is no ceasefire.
“I would have wanted that the word cessation is included in the judgement but I’m satisfied with the directions that have been given,” Pandor said.
Quizzed about the possibility of Israel adhering to the court’s ruling, Pandor said she has never really been hopeful about Israel but noted that she hopes powerful Israeli allies will advise a ceasefire.
However, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant dismissed the ruling of the ICJ and insisted that the “state of Israel does not need to be lectured on morality in order to distinguish between terrorists and the civilian population in Gaza.”
“The IDF and security agencies will continue operating to dismantle the military and governing capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organization and to return the hostages to their homes. I have full confidence in our troops.”