In a press release on X, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN's primary legal body, announced that it will deliver a ruling on Friday regarding provisional measures to temporarily halt Israel's military operations in Gaza.

South Africa initiated legal action against Israel, accusing it of violating the "Genocide Convention" and committing genocide against Palestinians. The ICJ hearings, which began on January 11, have been a platform for Israel to vehemently deny the allegations, labeling them as "false" and "grossly distorted." Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs contends that South Africa's claims lack both factual and legal basis, accusing them of advocating for the destruction of the State of Israel.

South Africa seeks provisional measures to safeguard Palestinian rights in Gaza, aiming to prevent imminent and irreparable loss while the full case unfolds in court—a process that may extend over several years. Despite the court's rulings being final and binding, practical enforcement remains a challenge.