The International Court of Justice on Friday issued a stunning initial ruling in South Africas legal challenge to Israels devastating U.S.-backed military offensive in Gaza acknowledging that there is a plausible risk of Israel committing genocide there and issuing six orders for a change in Israels conduct as it combats the Gaza-based Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The decision by the chief legal organ of the United Nations to sustain the case represents a major escalation in international pressure for a change in course by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his chief foreign backer, President Joe Biden. Israel hoped to convince judges to dismiss the case, arguing they lacked jurisdiction and genocide accusations were belied by Israels approval of limited humanitarian aid for Gaza. The White House called South Africas accusation unfounded.

South Africas lawyers said the Israeli operation showed a pattern of genocidal conduct, citing the killings of thousands of civilians, the destruction of tens of thousands of homes, the displacement of nearly 2 million Gazans and Israel officials repeated threats against the Palestinian enclave.

They based their case on two primary reasons for an international intervention: that Israeli actions, including blocking aid, could cause irreparable damage to Palestinians; and that Israel is not preventing incitement to genocide.

Fridays ruling showed the judges found at least part of South Africas claim of a possible or already ongoing genocide plausible.

The court ordered Israel to abide by six measures. A significant majority of the 17 judges supported imposing each measure, including in two instances Israels ad-hoc representative on the court, Aharon Barak.

The court directed Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide, to prevent its military from committing such acts, and to take measures to prevent the incitement of genocide in Gaza. Additionally, it ordered Israel to launch immediate and effective measures to boost humanitarian aid for Gaza, protect evidence of possible international law violations and give the court a report on its compliance with the orders within one month.

Presiding Judge Joan Donoghue acknowledged a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights of Palestinians in Gaza and underscored the courts view that an urgent change in policy is needed because irreparable harm could ensue otherwise.

The court is accurately aware of the human tragedy unfolding in the region, Donoghue said, also acknowledging Israeli hostages held by Hamas and saying the court wants to see their immediate, unconditional release.

Reacting to the courts decision, Netanyahu said: Israels commitment to international law is unwavering. Equally unwavering is our sacred commitment to continue to defend our country and defend our people.

The Israeli leader indicated he does not plan an immediate shift in the war, arguing: Our war is against Hamas terrorists, not against Palestinian civilians. We will continue to facilitate humanitarian assistance and to do our utmost to keep civilians out of harms way.