RAMAPHOSA REACTS TO ICJ RULING

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has hailed the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s 26 January provisional decision, which ordered Israel to take all possible measures to prevent genocidal acts in the Gaza Strip and allow the entry of humanitarian assistance. The president referred to it as an important step toward justice for Gazans. He also called on Israel to abide by the measures.

While many have welcome the ruling, some have expressed disappointment at the court's failure to call for an immediate ceasefire.

South Africa's and Israel's legal teams gave remarks during public hearings held 11-12 January at the Hague on South Africa's charge that Israel is violating the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. So far, Israel's military operation has killed more than 26,000 people in the besieged enclave.

A final ruling may take years to issue.