ATHENS 

The EU on Friday announced that it expects from Israel “full, immediate and effective” implementation of the International Court of Justice’s ICJ) ruling.

“We take note of today’s order of the International Court of Justice on South Africa’s request for the indication of provisional measures,” said a joint statement by EU’s foreign policy chief and the European Commission.

Reaffirming its support to the top UN court, the statement said: “Orders of the International Court of Justice are binding on the Parties and they must comply with them. The European Union expects their full, immediate and effective implementation.”

“The right of each Party to submit arguments in respect of jurisdiction, admissibility or the merits remains unaffected by the today’s decision on the South Africa’s request for the indication of provisional measures,” it added.

The joint statement came after the ICJ ordered Israel to "take all measures within its power" to prevent further bloodshed in Gaza in line with Genocide Convention obligations, but fell short of ordering a cease-fire.

The court also ordered Israel to take "immediate and effective" measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.