The European Union Affirms Continuous Backing for International Court of Justice Rulings on South Africa’s Lawsuit Against Israel
In a joint press release, the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Joseph Borrell, and the European Commission stated that they have taken note of the International Court of Justice’s recent decision regarding South Africa’s request to indicate provisional measures.
The EU reiterated its steadfast support for the International Court of Justice’s decisions concerning South Africa’s legal action against Israel regarding allegations of genocide against the Palestinian people.
The statement emphasized that the International Court of Justice’s orders are binding on all parties, and full, immediate, and effective implementation is expected from everyone.
The right of each party to present arguments regarding jurisdiction, admissibility, or substantive merits is not affected by today’s decision on South Africa’s request for provisional measures.
South Africa had filed a lawsuit against Israeli occupation in the International Court of Justice, alleging that Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza and had failed to prevent genocide and punish it, in violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention. In response, Israel denied these allegations, labeling them as false and highly distorted.
On Friday, the International Court of Justice issued a preliminary judgment and provisional measures against Israel in the legal case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of violating the United Nations Genocide Convention.
The ruling includes the following measures: “Taking all measures to prevent any acts that may amount to genocide, ensuring that the Israeli army does not engage in any acts of genocide, preventing and penalizing any statements or public comments that could incite genocide in Gaza, taking all steps to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid, not disposing of any evidence that may be used in the case against it, and providing a report to the Court within a month on the implementation of these measures and judgments.”
