Last week, the International Court of Justice heard initial arguments in the case brought by South Africa, which accuses Israel of “acts and omissions” that are “genocidal in character” against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel fiercely denies the allegations and has also opposed the case on procedural grounds, saying that if any genocidal acts have occurred then they were perpetrated by Hamas against the Israelis. The judges may take years to reach a final decision. In the meantime, South Africa has asked the I.C.J. to order “provisional measures,” roughly similar to a temporary injunction, to protect Palestinians now.

Source: New York Times January 19, 2024 19:17 UTC