International
The ICJ orders Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza
The World Court found South Africa's claims plausible enough to order provisional measures. It did not rule on whether genocide is taking place.
The International Court of Justice yesterday ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts covered by the Genocide Convention in Gaza, to allow humanitarian aid in, and to report back to the Court within a month.
The order is on provisional measures. The Court found that at least some of the rights South Africa claims are plausible and at risk of irreparable harm. It has not decided whether genocide has been committed. That question will take years.
Every Caricom member state is a party to the UN Charter, and the Court's orders are binding on the parties before it. Small states rely on that principle more than anyone. The Court's authority is what they have in place of force.
Israel is due to report on its compliance by 26 February.
Sources
Independent reporting by Pearce Robinson. Corrections and responses may be submitted here.
