Hamas says it will abide by UN court’s ruling on cease-fire if Israeli does same

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Hamas said Thursday it will abide by the International Court of Justice (ICJ)'s ruling on a cease-fire in Gaza if Israel takes a similar position.

"In case The Hague-based ICJ issues a ruling to cease-fire, the Hamas Movement will abide by it as long as the enemy does the same," the Palestinian resistance group said in a statement.

It said it was following deliberations at the ICJ with great interest after South Africa filed the genocide case.

Hamas said it would release Israeli captives held in its captivity in Gaza "if the occupying state releases the Palestinian detainees from Israeli jails.”

The group is believed to be holding 136 Israelis following its cross-border attack on Oct. 7.

The Hague-based court will render its verdict Friday in South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel.

South Africa filed a lawsuit Dec. 29 with the ICJ requesting an injunction against Israel on the grounds that Tel Aviv’s onslaught on Gaza violates the Genocide Convention.

South Africa demands the ICJ grant nine interim injunctions, including that Israel immediately cease its military operations in Gaza, take reasonable measures to prevent the genocide of Palestinians, ensure that the displaced return to their homes and have access to humanitarian assistance, including adequate food, water, fuel, medical and hygiene supplies, shelter and clothing, take necessary steps to punish those involved in the genocide and preserve the evidence of genocide.