South Africa hails ICJ verdict on Gaza 'genocide', Israel strikes defiant tone

South Africa, on Friday (January 26), hailed the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) verdict on Gaza 'genocide' a 'decisive victory' for the international rule of law. The ICJruled in favour of South Africa's request andimposed emergency measures against Israel over its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

"Today marks a decisive victory for the international rule of law and a significant milestone in the search for justice for the Palestinian people," South Africa's department of international relations and cooperation said in a statement.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa broke into cheers the moment ICJ delivered its verdict. The video of his reaction is being shared on social media.

Israel appeared to strike a defiant tone after the ICJ verdict

"Israel's commitment to international law is unwavering. Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ina post shared on the microblogging siteX (formerly Twitter).

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority welcomed the ICJ verdict andsaid that the court ruling showed'no state is above the law'.

"The ICJ order is an important reminder that no state is above the law," Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki said in a video statement, adding that the ruling "should serve as a wake-up call for Israel and actors who enabled its entrenched impunity".

"The International Court of Justice rules in favor of South Africa's request for provisional measures against Israel over Gaza war," said African National Congress leader Fikile Mbalula.

Turkey President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also has welcomed the ICJ verdict.

"We hope that Israel's attacks against women, children and the elderly will come to an end," Erdogan said in a social media statement, calling the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling "valuable".

(More to follow shortly)