Top UN court allows genocide case against Israel to proceed, demands leaders limit deaths, damage

The United Nations’ top court decided Friday to allow a genocide case to proceed against Israel for its military actions in Gaza.

The charges were brought by South Africa, which asked the court to order Israel to halt its military offensive in Gaza, according to the Associated Press. The militant group Hamas, which is based in the territory, attacked Israel in October 2023, then Israel declared war on Hamas. 

The decision in the Hague was made by 17 judges of the International Court of Justice. 

The court also demanded Israel try to contain death and damage in the offensive but did not call for a cease-fire.