United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed that the interim measures decision taken by the International Court of Justice in the “genocide” case brought by South Africa against Israel is binding on all parties.

In a statement to the United Nations Information Office on Friday, Guterres referred to international justice resolutions that stipulate that “Israel must refrain from any action related to killing, attacking and destruction against the people of Gaza and take all measures to prevent genocide,” and “Israel must stop its operations.” military forces in Gaza immediately.”

The statement stated: “The Secretary-General indicates that the court’s decisions are binding on all parties in accordance with the court’s charter, and he is confident that all parties will abide by the court’s decisions.”

The statement stressed that the Secretary-General of the United Nations “is confident that all parties will duly comply with the court’s order.”

He pointed out that the Secretary-General, based on the Statute of the Court, will refer the interim measures decision issued by the International Justice Committee regarding Israel to the Security Council.

Earlier Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to take measures to prevent genocide against the Palestinians and improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, but the decision did not include a “ceasefire” text.

On January 11 and 12, the International Court of Justice in The Hague held two public hearings, as part of the start of consideration of the lawsuit filed by South Africa against Israel on charges of committing “genocide crimes” against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.