Tlaib, Bush Joint Statement on International Court of Justice’s Initial Ruling in South Africa’s Genocide Case Against Israeli Government

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (MI-12) and Congresswoman Cori Bush (MO-01) released the following joint statement on the International Court of Justice’s provisional measures ruling:

“Today the International Court of Justice signaled an end to impunity for the Israeli government in the international legal system. We welcome international accountability for the ongoing atrocities the Israeli government is perpetrating in Gaza. The Court overwhelmingly recognizes the risk that the Israeli government could be committing genocide in Gaza and believes immediate action is necessary to prevent further harm to the Palestinian people, even as the case continues. We applaud South Africa for speaking up for human rights and our shared humanity. 

“This ruling underscores the urgency of the humanitarian catastrophe caused by the Israeli and U.S. governments in Gaza. The only way to implement the Court’s orders is by facilitating a lasting ceasefire that includes the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained. 

“This ruling also puts the U.S. government on notice for enabling violations of the Genocide Convention. The Biden Administration must not only affirm the legitimacy of this ruling and facilitate an immediate ceasefire—it must comply with federal and international law by suspending military assistance to the Israeli government. 

“After more than 100 days, over 26,000 Palestinians killed, over 64,000 injured, over 8,000 missing, and over 1.7 million displaced, there are no excuses for inaction. We will continue to demand a lasting ceasefire, full accountability, and a credible diplomatic process that achieves genuine peace and justice for all.”   

###