Rights organisation Amnesty International has said that ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) related to South Africa’s genocide case against Israel have the potential to safeguard Palestinian civilians, bring an “end to the man-made humanitarian catastrophe” in Gaza, and provide a glimmer of hope for international justice, Anadolu Agency reports.

“As the US continues to use its veto power to block the UN Security Council from calling for a ceasefire, war crimes and crimes against humanity are rife, and the risk of genocide is real. States have a positive obligation to prevent and punish genocide and other atrocity crimes,” said Agnes Callamard, secretary general of Amnesty International, in a statement.

“The ICJ’s examination of Israel’s conduct is a vital step for the protection of Palestinian lives, to restore trust and credibility in the universal application of international law, and to pave the way for justice and reparation for victims,” she added.