Editor’s Digest is available for freeRoula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, picks her favorite stories in this weekly newsletter. The International Court of Justice has directed Israel to reduce harm to Palestinians in Gaza in a case brought by South Africa. The case alleges that Israel is committing genocide in the enclave. In a hearing in The Hague, the 17-member panel of judges also stated that Israel should take action to “prevent and punish” incitement to genocide, and ensure the provision of basic services and humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. However, the court did not grant South Africa’s request for Israel to “immediately suspend” its military operations in the enclave. “The court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life,” said Joan Donoghue, the court’s president. The decision on South Africa’s request for emergency measures only relates to the case for now. A final ruling on the allegation that Israel is committing genocide will likely take years. Israel has fiercely denied the claims as “profoundly distorted,” insisting that it is acting in self-defense following the actions by Hamas militants that triggered the war. It has also argued that its forces in Gaza are complying with international law, and that it is working to minimize harm to civilians. This is a developing story.
