UK gives lukewarm response to ICJ ruling, says genocide case 'not helpful'

- 'We welcome Court’s call for immediate release of hostages and need to get more aid into Gaza,' says Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

- Office says Israel’s actions in Gaza 'cannot be described as genocide'

GENEVA

The UK on Saturday gave a lukewarm response to the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Palestine, arguing that the genocide case against Israel is "not helpful" in achieving a cease-fire.

"We respect the role and independence of the ICJ. However we have stated that we have considerable concerns about this case, which is not helpful in the goal of achieving a sustainable ceasefire," the country's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said in a statement.

Reiterating that Israel has the right to defend itself against Hamas in line with international humanitarian law, the office said: "Our view is that Israel’s actions in Gaza cannot be described as a genocide, which is why we thought South Africa’s decision to bring the case was wrong and provocative."

"We welcome the Court’s call for the immediate release of hostages and the need to get more aid into Gaza," it said and added that the UK is clear that an immediate pause is necessary to "get aid in and hostages out."

"... and then we want to build towards a sustainable, permanent ceasefire, without a return to the fighting," it concluded.

The ICJ ordered Israel to take "all measures within its power" to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza, where it has killed more than 26,000 people since the Oct. 7 Hamas incursion.

South Africa, which brought the case, had asked the court for provisional measures against Israel.