ICJ tells Israel to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza

The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, a ruling that could have far reaching consequences though the court has no power to enforce it.

The United Nations' top court stopped short of ordering the cease-fire requested by South Africa while it hears a full case accusing Israel of genocide which the U.S. and Israel have dismissed.

The ICJ in the Netherlands on Friday ruled on South Africa's request for "provisional measures" against Israel amid claims of state-led genocide.

Court President Joan Donoghue said the court was extremely worried by the loss of life in the Gaza Strip.

"The court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering," she said.

The judge said that, in the court's view, at least some of Israel's actions in Gaza brought forward by South Africa fell within the provisions of the UN's Genocide Convention.

Donoghue said the court could not "accede to Israel's request that the case be removed from the general list."

The judge said the court ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent genocide and the incitement of genocide. She also ordered Israel to report to the court on all measures to give effect to the court's orders within a month.