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In a recent ruling, the United Nations' top court has instructed Israel to take all necessary measures to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza. However, the court did not go as far as ordering Israel to stop the ongoing war. This decision came as part of a controversial case initiated by South Africa, who had urged the court to halt military actions until a decision on whether Israel has committed genocide could be made. Israel has vehemently denied these allegations, dismissing them as completely unfounded. The hearing at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague took place on Friday and marked the first ruling in the case, which began two weeks ago. A verdict on the main accusation of genocide is expected to take much longer, potentially years. While the court did not call for an immediate cessation of Israel's military actions as requested by South Africa, many see this ruling as a victory for those in support of South Africa's case. The ICJ affirmed its jurisdiction over the matter and found that there was a plausible case under the 1948 Genocide Convention. The court also acknowledged that the Palestinian population in Gaza faced a real risk of irreparable damage. South Africa hailed the decision as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for the Palestinian people and emphasized the importance of implementing international law. The Palestinian foreign minister celebrated the ruling as a demonstration that no state is above the law. He stated that it should serve as a wake-up call for Israel and any actors enabling its impunity. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly address the ruling but reiterated Israel's commitment to international law and its duty to defend the country. He rejected South Africa's allegation of genocide as false and outrageous. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant dismissed the ruling, stating that Israel did not require lectures on morality and had the ability to distinguish between terrorists and the civilian population in Gaza. Hamas, the Palestinian group responsible for initiating the war, viewed the outcome as significant and contributing to Israel's isolation. The ICJ ordered Israel to take a range of actions against potential genocidal acts, including measures on the battlefield and against incitement to genocide. Additionally, Israel was directed to immediately enable the provision of aid to people in Gaza. The court stipulated that Israel must report its compliance within one month. Despite the legal binding of ICJ orders, the court lacks enforcement powers, and it is not expected for Israel to commit to these orders. According to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, the Israeli bombardment since October 7 has resulted in the deaths of over 26,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Israel launched its offensive in response to a wave of Hamas gunmen infiltrating the border, which led to the killing of approximately 1,300 people, primarily civilians, and the taking of around 250 hostages who were brought back to Gaza.