TEHRAN - The former secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Ali Shamkhani, sees The Hague court's decision on the Zionist genocide in Gaza as a lasting symbol of defeat for this regime, irrespective of its practical implications. 

“In the past four months, the failure of the Zionist regime has become apparent, as it has been unable to achieve its stated objectives, including the eradication of Hamas, releasing prisoners through war, and permanently eliminating the threat of the Resistance Front. The historic verdict announced by The Hague court, regardless of its practical consequences, is deemed a 'symbol of eternal defeat' for this regime,” Shamkhani stated on his X social media account on Saturday.

In a much-anticipated decision on Friday, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) issued an order directing Israel to undertake all necessary measures to reduce casualties and minimize destruction in the blockaded Gaza Strip.

The judgment followed a two-week deliberation by ICJ judges, prompted by South Africa's filing of a genocide case against Israel two months prior. While the court requested provisional measures for Gaza, it fell short of demanding an immediate ceasefire, a request also made by South Africa.

South Africa hailed the ruling as a "decisive victory" for international rule of law. Expressing appreciation for the ICJ's prompt response, the government conveyed gratitude for the provisional measures and expressed sincere hope that Israel would comply with the court's directives.

At least 26,083 Palestinians have been killed and 64,487 wounded by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip since the start of the war on October 7, according to the latest figures published by the enclave’s Ministry of Health. The representative of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHA) in the occupied Palestinian territories has declared that the situation in the Gaza Strip is “nothing less than catastrophic”.