ICJ Israel Must Prevent Genocide in Gaza

Source-This post is based on the article “ICJ orders Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza” published in “The Hindu” on 26th January 2024.

Why in The News?

Recently, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in Gaza and allow the entry of humanitarian aid into the region.

What Ruling Did The ICJ Issue?

The ICJ did not determine if Israel was committing genocide in Gaza, that process will likely take several years. However, it recognized the dire humanitarian situation and issued emergency measures to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

1) Israel is required to “take all measures within its capacity” to prevent genocidal acts and to cease officials from making declarations that incite genocide.

2) The court urged Israel to promptly implement effective measures to facilitate the provision of urgently required basic services and humanitarian assistance.

Note– The case before the ICJ was brought by South Africa, which accuses Israel of breaching the UN’s Genocide Convention.

What is The UN’s Genocide Convention?

1) It is an instrument of international law that codified the crime of genocide for the first time.

2) It was the first human rights treaty adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 9 December 1948.

3) The Convention was established in response to the atrocities committed during World War II, particularly the Holocaust, and it aimed to prevent and punish acts of genocide.

4) According to the Genocide Convention, genocide is a crime that can take place both in time of war and in time of peace.

What is The International Court of Justice (ICJ)?

1) About– The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began work in April 1946.

2) Seat of the ICJ– ICJ is situated at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). Of the six principal organs of the United Nations, it is the only one not located in New York (United States of America).