The Israeli Prime Minister is anticipating The Hague International Court of Justice decision
In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu anticipated an expected decision tomorrow, Friday, by the International Court of Justice regarding South Africa’s lawsuit, during a consultation session that he will hold with ministers and advisors on Thursday, to discuss scenarios for the decision.
Israeli Army Radio said on Thursday, “This afternoon, Thursday afternoon, Netanyahu will hold a preparatory session at the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv that will discuss possible scenarios in preparation for the decision of the judges at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, including the possibility of Israel ordering a halt to the war”.
Israeli Army Radio added, “The session will be attended by Justice Minister Yariv Levin, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, National Security Council Chairman Tzachi Hanegbi and government legal advisor Gali Bhara-Meara”.
The International Court of Justice said in a statement, on Wednesday evening, “On Friday, the International Court of Justice issues its order regarding the request to indicate provisional measures submitted by South Africa in the case related to the application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip”.
The statement added, “A public hearing will be held at the Peace Palace in The Hague, during which Judge Joan Donoghue, President of the Court, will read the court’s order”.
On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application to institute proceedings against Israel regarding alleged violations by Israel of its obligations under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide with respect to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, according to a court statement.
The court said, “In its application, South Africa also asked the court to refer to interim measures in order to ‘protect against further serious and serious crimes’, cause irreparable harm to the rights of the Palestinian people under the Genocide Convention’ and ‘ensure Israel’s compliance with its obligations under the Genocide Convention’; Genocide by not participating in any acts of genocide”.
Public hearings were held on South Africa’s request on Thursday 11 and Friday 12 January.
South Africa is asking the court to issue nine interim decisions, including ordering Israel to immediately cease military operations in Gaza, and not to take steps that would enhance any military operation in Gaza by any group under its control.
It also calls on South Africa to take all necessary measures to prevent genocide against Palestinians, to refrain from any action that falls within the scope of Article 2 of the Genocide Convention, and to ensure that displaced persons return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance, including food, water, fuel, medical materials, adequate hygiene, shelter, and clothes.
Also take the necessary steps to punish those involved in acts of genocide, preserve evidence of genocide and not prevent international personnel and other officials from accessing Gaza for this purpose, submit regular reports to the court on the implementation of the aforementioned measures, and refrain from actions that would complicate or prolong the case.
Since October 7, 2023, the Israeli army has been waging a devastating war on the Gaza Strip, which as of Wednesday left 25,700 dead and 63,740 injured, most of them children and women.
