Palestinians expressed a mixture of disappointment and hope following the World Court’s decision not to order an immediate halt to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) directed Israel to prevent genocide acts against Palestinians and increase assistance to suffering civilians. Despite South Africa’s plea for a ceasefire, the ICJ refrained from issuing such an order.
In a southern Gaza shelter for those displaced by Israeli bombardment, residents gathered around a radio, desiring a ceasefire. Mustafa Ibrahim, a human rights activist, noted, “Despite that, what happened was a victory.” South Africa sought ICJ emergency measures to stop the fighting, with over 26,000 Palestinians killed in the offensive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the ICJ’s decision against a ceasefire, rejecting the genocide claim.
Israel faced criticism in the court’s ruling, with the Jerusalem Post headline reading: “ICJ badmouths Israel for 35 minutes, then Israel wins.” While the ruling dashed Palestinian hopes for a binding ceasefire, it posed a legal setback for Israel, attempting to dismiss the case under the genocide convention.
In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinians watched the proceedings, expressing gratitude to South Africa. Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri considered the ruling essential for isolating Israel and exposing its alleged crimes in Gaza. The court recognized Palestinians’ protection under the convention, sparking discussions on the denial of their rights amid the war’s humanitarian harm.
