The case of the alleged genocide underway in Gaza has been opened in the International Court of Justice. It is an almost unprecedented fact that while an alleged genocide is taking place, a case is opened.

The ICJ has jurisdiction to hear and rule on acts that have the essential components of genocide. The Court gave an example of institutional consistency and coordination with the proscription of genocide, writes Peter Bergen in a letter to the New York Times. The United Nations system now has the responsibility of accompanying the decision of the highest world court, he writes.