THE rise in geopolitical tensions across the globe has brought terms and phrases often used only among political scientists into public attention, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Last December, South Africa filed a case against Israel at ICJ alleging that its action in Gaza is tantamount to genocide. Meanwhile, the ICC prosecutor was recently reported to be seeking arrest warrants for top Israeli and Hamas officials for war crimes. It is considered the judicial organ of the United Nations, to settle disputes based on international laws. On the other hand, the ICC is a criminal court that investigates and prosecutes individuals for crimes against humanity, war crimes, genocides and crimes of aggression.
