In a statement published here, the High Representative recalled that the Court's decisions are binding, therefore he called on all parties to properly comply with them, in accordance with the Court's Charter and Statutes.
Despite the formality of the text, the UN chief's spokesman maintained the High Representative's position of calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.
“The Court is a pillar of the United Nations system, an important body. “The secretary general is firmly convinced that his decisions must be respected because they are legally binding,” Stéphane Dujarric told a news conference.
However, he stressed his position remained “strong and clear” to call for a ceasefire.
The statement noted the court's decision to order Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide in the current escalation in the Gaza Strip.
These include murder, serious physical or mental harm, intentional infliction of living conditions designed to destroy groups, and the ordering of measures to prevent births.
It also emphasizes the International Court of Justice's instruction to Tel Aviv to ensure that the military does not commit any of these acts.
The statement underlines the need to ensure the provision of essential services and humanitarian assistance urgently needed to address the adverse living conditions of Palestinians in Gaza.
According to the note, the Secretary-General will immediately transmit to the Security Council the notification of interim measures ordered by the International Court of Justice based in The Hague.
The court's decision ordered Israel to take effective measures to prevent the destruction and to ensure the preservation of evidence in connection with allegations of crimes within the meaning of Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
Although the ICJ did not specifically call for a ceasefire, it did call for ensuring that the Israel Defense Forces, as well as any armed units or individuals who may be subject to their control, direction or influence, do not commit any of the acts considered genocide.
Therefore, Israel must refrain from committing any acts that fall within the scope of Article II of the Convention.
The decision also advocates allowing the importation of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip.
The case launched by South Africa in December 2023 over “alleged genocides committed by Israel in the Gaza Strip” sought to have the ICJ issue emergency measures to end the war in the enclave, which has been under siege since October 7 last year.
The African nation's request called for interim measures, including a call for Israel to immediately end its military operations in Gaza, as well as appropriate measures to prevent genocide against Palestinians and ensure that those displaced return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance .
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