Campaigners welcome ICJ judgement - with some reservations

Aid agencies, peace campaigners and politicians have broadly welcomed today's ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that Israel must take every action to stop genocidal acts in Gaza.

Christian Aid's Head of Middle East Policy & Advocacy, William Bell said: "This ruling is clear; Israel must take all measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza. There can be no excuse for such abhorrent acts against humanity."

But, he said: "Ultimately the suffering won't end until we have a permanent ceasefire. That was needed yesterday to stop the slaughter of civilians in Gaza.

"World leaders, including the UK Government, must hold Israel to account on this ruling and assert all pressure to free the hostages and bring an end to the terrible loss of life in Gaza."

Trócaire has welcomed the ruling and in particular the provisional measures imposed to ensure humanitarian access.

Reacting to the ruling from the Hague, Trócaire's CEO Caoimhe de Barra, said: "We welcome the findings from the International Court of Justice today in particular the ruling that Israel must take measures to ensure humanitarian access.

"While we would like to have seen an order for a full and immediate ceasefire we welcome the provisional measures which we hope will serve to protect the people of Gaza. Trócaire is now calling on the Irish government to ensure that Israel complies with all of the provisional measures imposed by the ICJ and that Ireland engages with its partners in the EU and USA to in particular to achieve this.

"We're asking the Irish government to join the substantive case with South Africa as soon as possible and we continue to call for full ceasefire and a political resolution that respects the legitimate rights of Palestinians and which achieves a just peace for Israelis and Palestinians."

"In the past few months, over 25,000 thousand Palestinians, many of them children, have been killed by Israel. one in four people in Gaza are now at risk of starvation, and almost the entire population have been forced from their homes.

"Trócaire partners are on the ground in Gaza helping survivors access the most essential, lifesaving humanitarian relief including food, safe water, hygiene supplies, blankets, and shelter in order to rush help to hungry and injured families in Gaza. Urgent medical missions are also being conducted to procure and deliver stocks of desperately needed drugs and medical supplies, a lifeline with more than half of hospitals in Gaza no longer functioning."

Pax Christi International said in a statement: "Today, the International Court of Justice has addressed the South Africa vs. Israel case with significant rulings:

- The Court asserts its authority to handle the matter.

- Israel is assigned the task of preventing genocide in Gaza, with a progress report due in a month.

- The court insists on preventing and penalising incitement to genocide in Gaza.

- Humanitarian aid is mandated to enter Gaza, following the court's directive.

Additional measures for Palestinian protection are required, without a halt to military operations.

Despite the importance of these decisions, amid ongoing violence, the call for a ceasefire in the Holy Land remains unanswered.

Let's amplify the voice of peace and nonviolence by signing the Ceasefire Now petition HERE

Husam Zomlot, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK, commented: "Today's ruling at the ICJ is a historic moment. It is a pivotal moment in the long journey towards justice and accountability, not only for the Palestinian people, but for all humanity, and for everyone striving for justice, rights and equal application of the rule of law. The legal case brought by South Africa has forensically detailed Israel's actions and its intent to commit genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza. The court has delivered its verdict to stop Israel from killing Palestinians, end incitement to genocide and allow in the desperately needed humanitarian aid to a a displaced population starving and under siege and bombardment. The world must implement the court ruling and enforce an immediate, comprehensive and permanent ceasefire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the charge of genocide against Israel was "outrageous" and said it would do whatever is necessary to defend itself. Israel had an "unwavering commitment" to international law, he said. Israeli defence
Minister Yoav Gallant said he was dismayed that the ICJ had not rejected South Africa's petition outright.

LINK

Read the full ICJ ruling here: https://icj-cij.org/sites/default/files/case-related/192/192-20240126-ord-01-00-en.pdf