The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will issue its ruling on Friday, January 26, on a request from South Africa for provisional measures against Israel in the case alleging that Israel is committing genocide in its ongoing assault on the Gaza Strip.
The ICJ said in a statement that it will announce its decision on South Africa’s request for provisional measures at a public hearing to be broadcast live on the United Nations’ website at 1:00 p.m. (CET).
South Africa filed its case against Israel on December 29, 2023, at the ICJ, which is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. The case alleges that Israel is committing acts of genocide against Palestinians, including by targeting civilians, demolishing homes, and denying access to food and medical care.
In response to South Africa’s case, the ICJ held public hearings on January 11 and 12, 2024. South Africa’s legal representative asked the court to order a number of provisional measures, including an immediate halt to Israel’s military operations in Gaza.
The ICJ’s ruling on Friday is expected to be closely watched by human rights groups and other observers. A decision in favor of South Africa would be a major blow to Israel and could lead to further international pressure on the country to end its occupation of the Palestinian territories.
