PARIS, France: The reaction to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling Friday in the Israel-Gaza case were split along the lines of the war raging in the Gaza Strip (Palestinian territory).
The top UN court said Israel must prevent genocidal acts in Gaza and allow humanitarian aid into the besieged strip.
Israel has vowed to crush Hamas and launched a military offensive after the war in Gaza started with the October 7 attack by Hamas. So far, over 26,000 innocent Palestinians have been killed in the air and ground strikes in the Strip, about 70 percent of them women and children.
Hamas also seized about 250 hostages and according to Israel, around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives.
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu
“The charge of genocide levelled against Israel is not only false, it’s outrageous, and decent people everywhere should reject it,” said Netanyahu in his reaction to the verdict.
Palestinian foreign minister
“The ICJ order is an important reminder that no state is above the law,” Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said in a video statement, adding that the ruling “should serve as a wake-up call for Israel and actors who enabled its entrenched impunity”.
South Africa foreign affairs ministry
“Today marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people,” said the ministry, which brought the case before the ICJ.
Hamas
“The (International) Court of Justice’s decision is an important development which contributes to isolating Israel and exposing its crimes in Gaza,” said Palestinian group Hamas.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez
“We will continue to advocate for peace and an end to war, the release of hostages, access to humanitarian aid and the establishment of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, so that both nations coexist in peace and security,” said Spain’s Prime Minister.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
“We hope that Israel’s attacks against women, children and the elderly will come to an end,” said Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, calling the ruling “valuable”.
European Union
“Orders of the International Court of Justice are binding on the parties and they must comply with them. The European Union expects their full, immediate and effective implementation,” said the European Union.
Human Rights Watch
“The World Court’s landmark decision puts Israel and its allies on notice that immediate action is needed to prevent genocide and further atrocities against Palestinians in Gaza,” said associate international justice director at Human Rights Watch, Balkees Jarrah.
