Tokyo, Feb 7 (EFE).- Japanese conglomerate Itochu is set to end its strategic cooperation with Israeli Defense company Elbit Systems by February, a company spokesperson confirmed to EFE on Wednesday.

The memorandum of understanding (MOU) between both companies will end in February, according to the spokesperson, who did not wish to be named.

Itochu's statement comes after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel on Jan. 26 to take effective steps to prevent genocide in Gaza.

"The MOU between Itochu Aviation and Elbit Systems is about the import of defense equipment necessary for Japan's national security (...) It does not contribute in any way to the Israel-Gaza conflict," the spokesperson said.

However, the spokesperson added that given the court's order and Japan's "support for the role of the ICJ, new activities pursuant to the MOU have been already suspended, and the MOU is scheduled to be terminated within February."

South Africa filed a lawsuit in the international court in December accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.

Consequently, the court ordered Israel to take "immediate and effective" steps to prevent genocide in Gaza and to punish any incitement of extermination of the Palestinian people in the besieged enclave. EFE

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