The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued a landmark interim ruling in the genocide case brought by South Africa against Israel, ordering Israel to take all measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza. However, the court stopped short of ordering an immediate halt to military operations.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki welcomed the ruling, stating that the judges had ruled "in favour of humanity and international law." In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel would "continue to defend ourselves and our citizens while adhering to international law."
The ICJ's decision comes amid ongoing conflict that began with Hamas's attack on southern Israel on 7 October, which killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 240 hostages taken. Israel's subsequent retaliatory attacks in Gaza have killed 25,900 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Meanwhile, US media report that CIA Director Bill Burns is due to meet Israeli, Qatari and Egyptian officials in the coming days to discuss a potential new ceasefire in Gaza. The development coincides with Hamas releasing a video showing three female Israeli hostages, urging the Israeli government to negotiate their release.
