Israel Continues Rafah Offensive.
Despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to “immediately halt” its military offensive in Rafah, the country continued bombing the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, on Saturday.
The ICJ ruling came in response to a case brought by South Africa alleging Israel’s military operation amounts to “genocide.” The court demanded the immediate release of hostages held by Palestinian militants and instructed Israel to keep the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza open.
Israel dismissed the ICJ ruling, insisting it was not carrying out military operations in Rafah that could lead to the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population. However, Palestinian witnesses and AFP teams reported Israeli strikes in Rafah and Deir al-Balah, contradicting Israel’s claims.
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The ICJ ruling has been welcomed by Hamas, but the group criticized the court’s decision to exclude the rest of the Palestinian territory from the order. Palestinian civilians in Gaza expressed skepticism about the ruling’s impact, with one resident stating, “Israel is a state that considers itself above the law. Therefore, I do not believe that the shooting or the war will stop other than by force.”
The Gaza war has resulted in significant human suffering, with over 35,857 people killed, mostly women and children, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The conflict has also seen 252 hostages taken, with 121 remaining in Gaza.
International pressure on Israel is mounting, with Ireland, Spain, and Norway set to recognize a Palestinian state next week. The International Criminal Court prosecutor has also requested arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top Hamas leaders on suspicion of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
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Diplomatic efforts are underway in Paris to secure a ceasefire, with CIA chief Bill Burns meeting Israeli representatives and French President Emmanuel Macron receiving regional leaders to press for a ceasefire. Top US diplomat Antony Blinken has also spoken with Israeli officials about new efforts to achieve a ceasefire and reopen the Rafah border crossing.
Palestinians in Gaza are calling for an end to the violence, saying, “We hope that the court’s decision will put pressure on Israel to end this war of extermination because there is nothing left here.”
Israel Defies UN Court Order, Continues Rafah Offensive Amidst International Pressure.
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