The provisional ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) accepting South Africa’s genocide case against Israel and calling for measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza was met with mixed reactions by Palestinians, Anadolu Agency reported.
While they welcomed the principle of accepting the case as a victory, many expressed disappointment, considering the decision to be below expectations and inadequate for the gravity of the situation.
In Ramallah, dozens of Palestinians gathered, holding banners calling for a cease-fire, justice, and freedom.
Abu Saleh Hisham acknowledged the significance of accepting the case but emphasised the need for more decisive actions against Israel. Hala Abu Gharbiyeh described the ruling as disappointing, falling short of her expectations for a firm order on an immediate cease-fire and the entry of humanitarian aid.
The ICJ’s order directed Israel to take “all measures within its power” to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza but did not mandate a cease-fire.
The court did, however, instruct Israel to take immediate and effective steps to provide urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.
The case was brought to the ICJ by South Africa, seeking emergency measures to halt the bloodshed in Gaza, where more than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7.
