Israel - January 2024

Israel’s invasion of Gaza had, by the end of January, resulted in more than 27,000 deaths, including over 10,000 children. On 26 January, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued six provisional measures requiring Israel to prevent the commission of the crime of genocide in Gaza. Despite the ICJ’s requirement that Israel lift its blockade of the Gaza Strip and ensure humanitarian aid provision by 26 February, Israel's actions in Gaza persist.  The ICJ case, initiated by South Africa, accuses Israel of violating the Genocide Convention through its operations in Gaza. The ICJ's order underscores Israel's obligation to prevent acts that could potentially lead to genocide and to ensure no genocidal acts are committed by its military. This 15-2 vote by the Court emphasizes the obligation of Israel to prevent any genocidal acts by its troops. While this ruling does not require Israel to implement a cease-fire, it raises questions about what measures might be considered if Israel fails to comply.

Sources: International Court of Justice, Associated Press, United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Al Jazeera, Amnesty International, The Conversation