QU Dean of College of Law offers insight into ICJ South Africa v. Israel ruling

Doha, Qatar: The Dean of College of Law at Qatar University (QU) Dr. Talal Abdulla Al-Emadi, shed light on the International Court of Justice order for Israel to take measures preventing genocide in Gaza.

In a remark on the decision of the ICJ Dr Talal said on his X (formerly Twitter) account: “The International Court of Justice @CIJ_ICJ issued its order on Provisional Measures (South Africa v. Israel). The Court, while acknowledging the alarming situation in Gaza, indicated a series of measures with which Israel shall comply to stop actions that fall under the definition of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.”

Dr. Talal Abdulla Al-Emadi

These measures include, according to Dr. Talal Al-Emadi’s stated, “allowing aid and humanitarian supplies into Gaza and preventing any calls to commit genocide against people in Gaza.”

The Dean of College of Law at QU also offered insight into why the court had not ordered a complete ceasefire in its ruling.

“The Court has not demanded a ceasefire, probably because the case is brought before it pursuant to the Genocide Convention. Hence, South Africa requested stopping acts that necessarily lead to Genocide.  In other words, war is not an act of genocide per se, and discussing it in this case would fall outside the scope of the Convention, thus the jurisdiction of the Court.” 

South Africa’s Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor said after the ruling was handed that she believed “in exercising the order, there would have to be a ceasefire. Without it the order doesn’t work.”

The South African FM also said that she “would have wanted a ceasefire” to Al Jazeera reporters at the court.

Pandor also expressed solidarity with the people of Palestine, saying that South Africa stands with the people of Palestine and “our message to them is never give up hope.”

“South Africa got over the apartheid oppression. They will overcome,” she continued.