Amnesty International has termed the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision “an important step that could help protect the Palestinian people in the occupied Gaza Strip from further suffering and irreparable harm”.

“An immediate ceasefire by all parties remains essential and – although not ordered by the Court – is the most effective condition to implement the provisional measures and end unprecedented civilian suffering,” Agnès Callamard, the organisation’s secretary general, said in a statement.

“The USA, UK, Germany and other EU states must signal their respect for the Court’s legally binding decision and do everything in their power to uphold their obligation to prevent genocide.”