Thank you to all those who have contacted me about the case of South Africa v. Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Allegations of breaches of international humanitarian law should be treated with the utmost seriousness and must always be investigated. Assessing specific allegations is the proper task of lawyers and competent international courts.

The case brought by South Africa against Israel has begun initial hearings and asks the ICJ to direct Israel to end its military campaign in Gaza. It is up to the Court to make an independent judgement on the case.

The ICJ’s interim ruling is profoundly serious. While it does not give a verdict on the case, it sets out six urgent provisional measures that must be followed. These provisional measures include Israel taking steps within its power to prevent and ensure its military does not commit genocide; taking steps to prevent and punish any incitement to genocide; enabling urgent humanitarian assistance; and preserving evidence relating to allegations under Articles 2-3 of the Geneva Convention. Israel has one month to report to the ICJ on the measures taken to give effect to these orders and I believe Israel must comply with these orders in full.

Nevertheless, the case is in its early stages, and it may take years until any final ruling is reached. I will therefore monitor developments on this accordingly.