States must respect the ruling
In its ruling, the International Court of Justice ordered six interim measures. This includes Israel's commitment to refrain from taking any actions in accordance with the Genocide Convention, to prevent and punish direct and public incitement to genocide, and to take immediate and effective measures to ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to the civilian population of Gaza. The court also ordered Israel to preserve evidence of genocide and submit a report to the court within a month on all actions it took in accordance with its order.
The interim measures taken by the International Court of Justice show that, in the Court's view, the survival of Palestinians in Gaza is at risk. The Israeli government must immediately comply with the decision of the International Court of Justice. All states – including those that have criticized or opposed South Africa's filing of genocide charges – have a clear duty to ensure the implementation of these measures. The leaders of the United States, Britain, Germany and other European Union countries must signal that they respect the court's legally binding decision and do everything in their power to fulfill their obligations to prevent genocide. Failure to do so would be a serious blow to credibility and confidence in the international legal system.
A ceasefire is still necessary
Today's resolution serves as a crucial reminder of the crucial role of international law in preventing genocide and protecting all victims of atrocities. It sends a clear message that the world will not stand idly by. However, the International Court of Justice's decision alone cannot put an end to the atrocities and destruction suffered by the people of Gaza. An immediate ceasefire by all parties to the conflict remains essential and, even if not ordered by the court, is the most effective condition for implementing interim measures and ending the unprecedented suffering of the civilian population.
More than 26,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians, were killed in the Israeli bombing of the Gaza Strip, and about 10,000 are still missing under the rubble. At least 1.8 million Palestinians have been displaced and lack access to adequate food, water, shelter, sanitation and medical care.
Amnesty International calls on Israel, Hamas and other Palestinian Armed Groups to immediately cease all military operations in the Gaza Strip. Israel must end its illegal occupation and allow unhindered and unconditional access to the humanitarian assistance Palestinians urgently need to reduce human suffering. We call on Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups to release all remaining civilian hostages.
