The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is set to announce its decision on Friday regarding emergency measures sought by South Africa against Israel. The case stems from accusations by South Africa that Israel’s military operation in Gaza amounts to a state-led genocide.
The 17-judge panel at the ICJ will deliver its ruling on January 26 at 1200 GMT, as confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday. During two days of hearings earlier this month, South Africa urged the ICJ, also known as the World Court, to issue an emergency suspension of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza.
Israel has vehemently rejected the genocide allegations, describing them as “grossly distorted.” The Israeli government asserts its right to self-defense, emphasizing that its military actions target Hamas militants rather than Palestinian civilians.
Notably, the ICJ’s ruling on Friday will not address the core question of whether Israel is committing genocide. Instead, the focus will be on potential emergency measures, akin to a restraining order, designed to prevent the escalation of the dispute while the court examines the full case—a process that typically spans years.
If the ICJ opts to issue emergency measures, it is not obligated to precisely align with South Africa’s specific requests. While the court’s rulings are legally binding and without appeal, it lacks mechanisms for enforcement. The decision is awaited with global attention, given the gravity of the allegations and the potential ramifications for the ongoing conflict in the region.
