Tánaiste seeks legal advice around joining South Africa's genocide case against Israel 

Reacting to the ruling, Micheál Martin said the orders were final and binding. Picture: Gareth Chaney/Collins

The Tánaiste has asked his officials to "urgently" prepare legal advice around joining a genocide case against Israel being brought forward by South Africa.

The UN's top court has ordered Israel to take measures to prevent and punish direct incitement of genocide in its war in Gaza.

In a sweeping ruling, a large majority of the 17-judge panel of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) voted for urgent measures which covered most of what South Africans asked for, with the notable exception of ordering a halt to Israeli military action in Gaza.

Reacting to the ruling, Micheál Martin said the orders were final and binding.

"We expect Israel to implement all provisional measures that have been ordered by the court, in good faith and as a matter of urgency.

"While the court has not called for a ceasefire, the court has ordered Israel and the IDF not to commit any acts of genocide, and importantly has ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to ensure urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance are provided in Gaza.

"These orders are binding and the court has ordered Israel to report in one month to demonstrate compliance with its orders. It is also imperative that Israel prevents and punishes incitement to genocide."

The Government has come under sustained pressure to join South Africa's cause, however, the coalition has stressed the need to fully examine what is being put forward before taking action.

"As agreed by the Dáil earlier this week, the Government will strongly consider intervention in the case, following detailed analysis of the court’s decision today," Mr Martin said.

"I have therefore asked my officials to prepare legal advice for my consideration on an urgent basis."