South Africa took the case to the International Court of Justice and said that Israel was committing genocide during its military campaign that began after the October 7 bombings. The court issued two new “provisional measures.”
Israeli officials say they are not killing people and have accused South Africa of trying to “undermine Israel’s inherent right and obligation to defend its citizens.”
Thursday’s order came after South Africa asked for more temporary steps, such as a pause, because people in Gaza were going hungry.
Israel asked the court not to make any new orders, but it said it does not put any limits on aid going into Gaza and promised to “promote new initiatives” to bring in even more aid.
The court’s order was legally binding. It told Israel to take steps “without delay” to make sure “the unhindered provision” of basic services and emergency aid, such as food, water, fuel, and medical supplies.
It also told Israel to make sure right away that its military does not do anything that could violate the Genocide Convention rights of Palestinians, like stopping the supply of emergency aid.
The court told Israel to give an update in a month on how it was following the rules.