Court of Justice Stops Short of Genocide Label and Ceasefire Order for Israel, but Pro-Israel Critics Call Decision 'Absurdity'

The International Court of Justice stopped short of ordering a ceasefire and did not charge Israel with genocide in a ruling Friday on charges brought by South Africa in The Hague concerning Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, but supporters of Israel reacted with "utter dismay" at the decision and called it "an absurdity."

After the ruling, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is committed to international law as well as Israel’s own right to defend itself.

"Israel's commitment to international law is unwavering. Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people. Like every country, Israel has an inherent right to defend itself,” Netanyahu said in a statement in Hebrew and English following the ruling. 

“The vile attempt to deny Israel this fundamental right is blatant discrimination against the Jewish state, and it was justly rejected,” Netanyahu said.

The ICJ ordered Israel “to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide,” and said Israel “must ensure its forces do not commit genocide and ensure preservation of evidence of alleged genocide.”