Four Months of War, International Court of Justice Asks Israel to Prevent Genocide

The war between Israel and the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip, Palestine, has lasted for about four months.

From the start of the conflict on October 7, 2023, to January 28, 2024, the death toll in Gaza reached 26,422 Palestinians and 1,418 Israelis.

Amidst this war, on December 29, 2023, representatives from South Africa sued Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the judicial branch of the United Nations (UN).

In its lawsuit, South Africa stated that Israel had violated the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

They also requested that the International Court of Justice order Israel to immediately cease military operations in the Gaza Strip.

Then, on January 26, 2024, the International Court of Justice issued an interim order, which essentially stated the following:

1. Israel must take all measures to prevent acts of genocide, specifically killing, injuring, creating conditions that could lead to destruction, and obstructing the birth of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
2. Israel must ensure that its military forces do not commit acts related to genocide.
3. Israel must prevent and punish acts inciting genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
4. Israel must open access to basic services and humanitarian aid for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
5. Israel must prevent the destruction and ensure the security of evidence related to allegations of genocide.
6. Israel must submit a report to the International Court of Justice on their efforts to implement these orders within one month of the announcement of the ruling.

However, the International Court of Justice's interim order did not order a ceasefire or a cessation of military operations, as requested by South Africa.

According to Mohamad Rosyidin, an international relations observer from Diponegoro University, the International Court of Justice's ruling is also not binding and is merely advisory.

"Even if there were an order from the International Court of Justice to implement a ceasefire, I think Israel would not comply," said Mohamad Rosyidin in an interview with VOA Indonesia on Friday, January 26, 2024.