THE HAGUE/GAZA - The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ruled that Israel must take immediate measures to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and enhance efforts to protect civilians. However, the court stopped short of ordering a ceasefire, a move requested by South Africa, the plaintiff in the case.

The ICJ's ruling, while not delivering the hoped-for binding order to halt the conflict in Gaza, marks a legal setback for Israel. The case, brought under the genocide convention established after World War II, accused Israel of state-led genocide in response to Hamas militants' actions.

The court found grounds to investigate whether Palestinian rights were being violated in a conflict causing severe humanitarian harm. Additionally, it called for the release of hostages captured in the October 7 attacks on Israel that triggered the conflict.

The decision has been received differently by involved parties. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry welcomed it as a reminder that "no state is above the law." Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri sees it as a step toward "isolating the occupation and exposing its crimes in Gaza."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the decision not to order a ceasefire but strongly rejected the genocide claim, labeling it "outrageous." Israel asserts its right to self-defense against initial attacks by Hamas and emphasizes efforts to protect civilians.

South Africa, the plaintiff, considers the ICJ order a "decisive victory" for international rule of law, with both South Africa and the European Union urging Israel to implement the measures promptly.

The ICJ instructed Israel to prevent its troops from committing genocide, punish acts of incitement, improve the humanitarian situation, and report progress within a month. While the ruling did not determine the merits of the genocide allegations, the process could extend over several years, and the court lacks enforcement mechanisms.

On the ground in Gaza, heavy fighting persists, with crowded areas witnessing the most significant clashes. Palestinian civilians express disappointment over the lack of a ceasefire order but hope for increased accountability. In Israel, families of hostages in Gaza find encouragement in the ICJ's call for their release.

Talks on a potential temporary pause in fighting for hostage release and aid delivery are gaining momentum. U.S. President Joe Biden discussed the matter with Qatar's emir, expressing hope for progress. CIA Director William Burns and his Israeli counterpart are set to meet with Qatari and Egyptian officials for talks on a possible Gaza hostage deal.

Amid the ongoing conflict, the United States announced a pause in funding for the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) due to allegations that 12 UNRWA employees were involved in the October 7 attacks. UNRWA is urgently investigating, pledging accountability for any employee engaged in acts of terror.

In the southern city of Khan Younis, Israel continues its bombardment, reporting intensive battles with Hamas fighters. The situation remains complex, with global attention focused on diplomatic efforts to address the humanitarian crisis and end the violence.