First statement from Israel following the provisional measures ruling in the genocide case at The Hague
Israel has argued that the "genocide accusation against Israel is false and outrageous" in response to the provisional measures ruling issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the genocide case filed against Tel Aviv.
AA
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a written statement regarding the "provisional measures" ruling by the ICJ in The Hague, in the case brought by the Republic of South Africa on the grounds that Israel's actions in Gaza violate the Genocide Convention.
Stating that "the charge of genocide leveled against Israel at the International Court of Justice is false and outrageous," the statement claimed that the accusation in question is baseless and "abuses" the Genocide Convention.
The statement noted the following:
“The Court has clearly stated on several occasions that its decision today does not determine whether South Africa's claims are justified.
As Israel has repeatedly affirmed and demonstrated, it remains committed to acting in accordance with its rights and obligations under international law, including international humanitarian law. This commitment is unwavering, independent of any ICJ proceedings.”
The statement emphasized that the court's demand for the immediate and unconditional release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza was "welcomed."
Claiming that South Africa's genocide accusations are "baseless," the statement added, "Israel is confident that the court will reject these baseless claims at the merits stage of the proceedings."
COURT GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO GENOCIDE ACCUSATION
The following statements were made while the International Court of Justice's interim ruling was being announced:
"Whether Israel has committed any violations will be revealed by the examination of the merits of the case in question. However, at this moment, the requests for provisional measures are being discussed. In the court's view, it has been determined that some of South Africa's claims may fall within the articles of the convention. The court has decided that it has the jurisdiction to hear this case.
ISRAEL'S REQUEST REJECTED
The court rejects Israel's request to dismiss this case. The court intends to prevent irreparable consequences. The court has ruled that some of the claims put forward by the Republic of South Africa are justified and must be implemented.
PROVISIONAL MEASURES RULING
Regarding the adoption of provisional measures, the court decided that it has jurisdiction to hear the case. The State of Israel must immediately stop the military operations it is conducting in and against Gaza."
The International Court of Justice also ruled that Israel must take necessary measures to prevent the commission of acts prohibited under the Genocide Convention.
WHAT IS A PROVISIONAL MEASURE?
These are temporary decisions that can be taken to prevent the situation on the ground from worsening further.
Most experts believe that South Africa succeeded in convincing the court that there would be major vital threats if 'nothing is done.'
The hearing for this case took place on January 11-12. Israel presented its defense on January 12.
South Africa had requested the court to order Israel to stop the war in Gaza and lift restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.