PRESS RELEASE : Statement on the interim ICJ ruling in South Africa vs Israel [January 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 27 January 2024.

The FCDO has issued a statement on the ICJ’s interim ruling in the case of South Africa vs Israel.

An FCDO spokesperson said:

We respect the role and independence of the ICJ. However we have stated that we have considerable concerns about this case, which is not helpful in the goal of achieving a sustainable ceasefire.

Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with IHL, as we have said from the outset. Our view is that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be described as a genocide, which is why we thought South Africa’s decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative.

We welcome the Court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza. We are clear that an immediate pause is necessary to get aid in and hostages out, and then we want to build towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to the fighting.