The top UN court has ruled on Gaza genocide case. Here's what happens now

Last month, the International Court of Justice ruled on South Africa's legal case accusing Israel of genocide. 

Legal proceedings began after the African country submitted cause for emergency measures in Gaza, leading to a two-day hearing, with testimonies from the South African and Israeli legal teams. 

The court issued its interim ruling on Jan. 26 with six legally binding provisions, including those ordering the Israeli army to: prevent acts that might be considered genocide in the besieged enclave; allow humanitarian aid into the strip; punish incitement to genocide; submit monthly reports; and take measures to protect Palestinians. 

CNBC takes a look at what the next steps could be, and how we got here.

In the ICJ's order last month, it did not grant South Africa's main request, which was to order Israel to suspend military airstrikes in Gaza and to call for a permanent cease-fire. 

Israel rebuffed the allegations of genocide at the World Court and accused South Africa of being used as a legal cover for Hamas. 

After the ruling, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the decision and said Israel will continue to defend itself and its citizens against Hamas while adhering to international law. Israeli officials did not respond to a CNBC request for comment. 

Cases under the Genocide Convention at the court have stretched for years — such as with Serbia — which took more than 10 years to reach a final decision.  

Cases relating to genocidal intent are among the most difficult to win — evidence must show that the perpetrators have a premeditated intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group. 

The ICJ has ordered Israel to submit a report this month describing how it's complying with the court's