France, Jan. 26 -- The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday ordered Israel to take measures to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza as it handed down a landmark ruling ina case brought by South Africa.

Israelmust take "immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians," the top UN court ruled.

However the court's 17 judges did not impose a ceasefire as had been sought by South Africa.

"The court is acutely aware of the extent of the human tragedy that is unfolding in the region and is deeply concerned about the continuing loss of life and human suffering," Joan E. Donoghue, the court's president, sa...