The Guardian view on Israel and allegations of genocide: a case that needs to be heard | Editorial

This week's hearings at the international court of justice mark an important moment for humanitarian protection as well as Gaza

The definition of genocide is simple: a crime committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part. Its determination is much more complex. The legal threshold is high.

Nonetheless, judges at the international court of justice (ICJ) in The Hague could issue an interim ruling on the charges against Israel within weeks. A decision on which of the provisional measures requested by South Africa should be taken requires only that they find its case plausible, not proven, or that they believe there is a risk of genocide occurring. Resulting orders might not mean ordering a ceasefire, but restoring water supplies or punishing inciting statements.