Pakistan commends ICJ’s landmark decision on Gaza

Islamabad, 27 January 2024 (WAI): Pakistan commends the International Court of Justice’s decision on the jurisdiction case concerning Gaza. International Court of Justice (ICJ) has, in a preliminary assessment (prima facie determination), confirmed its jurisdiction to hear the case against Israel and that South Africa’s claims of genocide are “plausible.”

In a preliminary decision, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) refrained from mandating a ceasefire in Gaza but opted not to dismiss genocide charges against Israel arising from its military offensive in the region.

This interim ruling, on Friday, sets the stage for a more comprehensive examination of the case brought by South Africa, a process expected to extend over several years. Despite Israel’s rejection of the genocide accusation, the ICJ has retained the charges for further consideration.

ICJ has ordered Israel to urgently undertake a series of measures to prevent acts prohibited by the Genocide Convention about Palestinians in Gaza. These measures include preventing the killing of group members, avoiding causing severe bodily or mental harm, refraining from deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction and ceasing measures intended to prevent births within the group.

Pakistan urges a halt to the ongoing war in Gaza. It calls for the full and effective implementation of the ICJ’s decision, emphasizing the protection of fundamental human rights, dignity, and the identity of the Palestinian people in compliance with the UN Charter, UN resolutions, and international law.

Also Read: ICJ Delivers Judgement on South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israel

In a statement, Pakistan’s foreign office has called this decision “timely” and a “significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people and international accountability of Israel.”

Pakistan supports the case filed by South Africa under the 1948 Genocide Convention. It reaffirms its unwavering support to the Palestinian people in their “just and legitimate struggle” for their right to self-determination.

Habiba Tahir