We, the Movement for Black Lives (M4BL), are heartened that the International Court of Justice declined Israel’s request to throw out South Africa’s genocide case, but today’s ruling does not go far enough. Stopping short of calling for a ceasefire allows Israel to continue its brutal siege of Palestinian territories. Since October 2023, nearly 26,000 Palestinians have been killed. More than 64,000 people have been injured. 

We have joined the rest of the world in calling for an end to Israel’s brutal actions: mass displacement, bombing of hospitals, targeting and killing of journalists, and mass slaughter of children. Though the Court has said it is plausible that Israel’s actions constitute genocide, this moment calls for decisive action to stop Israel’s violence. Indeed, the Israeli security minister has stated that the Court’s decision should not be heeded. This mindset does not bode well for Israel’s commitment to the Court’s mandate. 

Our charge to end militarism and state-sanctioned violence globally calls us to remember that everyone suffers when states strip the vulnerable of their autonomy, dignity, and right to live in safety. We have seen the impact of militarism and imperialism—in Africa, where Western imperialism has fomented conflict and created instability; in Haiti, where it  has undermined sovereignty and decimated infrastructure; and in numerous other places around the world, where Western military hegemony has wreaked havoc and eroded the will and power of the people. We have a responsibility to call out atrocities, as well as condemn militarism and put a stop to the violence it begets. 

Every day that passes means more loss of life and emboldens Israel to continue its settler-colonial ambitions. We call on the International Court of Justice to recognize the gravity of these conditions and deliver a decisive call for a ceasefire and a halt to Israel’s actions when they reconvene in one month. 

We demand that the Biden Administration call for a ceasefire now, and immediately halt the provision of military weapons and aid to Israel. The Biden Administration must push for the release of humanitarian aid and efforts for Palestinians. 

We will continue to lift our voices in solidarity with Palestinians and all oppressed peoples.

The Movement for Black Lives (M4BL) is a national network of more than 150 leaders and organizations creating a broad political home for Black people to learn, organize, and take action. M4BL includes activists, organizers, academics, lawyers, educators, health workers, artists, and more, all unified in a radical vision for Black liberation and working for equity, justice, and healing.