On Friday, the International Court of Justice ruled that Israel must cease its attack on Gaza and “take all measures within its power to prevent and punish the direct and public incitement to commit genocide in relation to members of the Palestinian group in the Gaza Strip.”
This case was brought by South Africa in order to stop the attacks in Gaza that began after the October 7 attack by Hamas in Tel Aviv. But will Israel abide? Probably not as long as they have allies in the United States.
The U.S. has said that it will not change course based on this ruling because “The President believes the approach we have been taking has been getting results.” Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby said that the term genocide is “unhelpful” and that there is “no indication that that’s going on.”
The U.S. also decided that aid to the United Nations’ Relief and Works Agency is unhelpful and cut aid that was intended for Gaza. Some European countries are doing the same after Israel accused some staff members of having been involved in the October 7 attack.
According to a statement from the U.N, “Of the 12 people implicated, nine were immediately identified and terminated by the Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini; one is confirmed dead, and the identity of the two others is being clarified.”
The U.N. made an appeal for aid to continue while this case is investigated. “While I understand their concerns – I was myself horrified by these accusations – I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA’s operations.”
