The Arab Council welcomes the decision of the International Court of Justice to impose interim measures on Israel in accordance with the principle of preventing irreparable harm, which include the following:
- Taking measures to prevent all acts outlined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, including halting killings.
- Taking all necessary measures to punish those responsible for inciting acts of genocide.
- Taking steps to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
- Preventing destruction and prohibiting the commission of any genocidal acts.
- Avoiding any violation of the provisions of the Genocide Prevention Convention.
- Committing to refrain from killing or causing harm to the people of Gaza.
- Submitting a report within one month regarding the measures implemented by Israel in relation to the interim measures imposed by the Court, including sharing this with South Africa.
- Israel must take all necessary actions to preserve evidence and prevent its destruction.
While the Arab Council congratulates all forces supporting peace and the cessation of war on this historic victory, despite the lack of an explicit provision for an immediate ceasefire, it extends heartfelt thanks to the friendly country of South Africa, which stood firmly for Palestinian rights and successfully convinced the Court of Israel’s commission of genocidal crimes against Palestinians, despite immense pressure.
The Arab Council calls on the international community to exert pressure on Israel for the immediate implementation of the ruling, withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and cessation of aggressive actions against the Palestinian people. Additionally, it calls for the enforcement of United Nations resolutions regarding Palestinian rights.
The Council also urges the initiation of international legal efforts to hold accountable those responsible for the horrific war crimes in recent months, which resulted in nearly 30,000 martyrs, tens of thousands of injured individuals, and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons who have been left homeless after their homes were destroyed and denied access to water, food, and medicine. The Council commits to actively participating in these efforts.
The Arab Council appeals to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court to take concrete steps in advancing investigations into crimes committed by the Israeli military and settlers in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.
The Arab Council reiterates its commitment to continuous coordination with human rights organizations and activists both in the Arab world and beyond to support the Palestinian people in realizing their right to self-determination and to stand by just causes in the Arab region and across the world.
The Arab Council
President Moncef Marzouki
