Israel-Gaza War
Israel Continues to Bomb Gaza, Including Rafah, Despite ICJ Ruling
Israel has shown no signs of compliance, citing security concerns and the need to combat Hamas militants.
May 25, 2024 — Despite a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah, the southernmost city in Gaza, Israeli forces have continued their bombardment of the region. The ICJ's decision, issued on May 24, 2024, called for an immediate cessation of military activities in Rafah and the reopening of the Rafah border crossing to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The ICJ's ruling came in response to an urgent plea from South Africa, which accused Israel of committing genocidal acts during its ongoing military campaign in Gaza. The court's order, while legally binding, lacks an enforcement mechanism, leaving its implementation dependent on international pressure and Israel's willingness to comply. The ICJ's decision also included a demand for the immediate release of all hostages held by Palestinian militants.
In a statement following the ruling, Israeli National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi asserted that Israel would not conduct military operations in Rafah that could lead to the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population. Hanegbi emphasized that Israel would continue to act in compliance with international law to minimize harm to civilians and would keep the Rafah crossing open for humanitarian aid, while preventing terror groups from controlling the passage.
Despite these assurances, reports from Gaza indicate that Israeli airstrikes have continued unabated. On May 25, Israeli forces targeted multiple locations in Rafah, including the Shaboura camp and areas near the Kuwaiti Hospital. The hospital, the only one in Rafah still operational, has renewed its plea for fuel deliveries to maintain its services. The ongoing attacks have resulted in numerous casualties and have exacerbated the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.
The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, has led to significant loss of life and widespread displacement. According to local health authorities, over 35,000 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the Israeli offensive. The Hamas-run Gazan Health Ministry reports that nearly 36,000 Palestinians have died, though these figures are difficult to verify due to limited international access to the area. Israeli officials report that around 1,200 Israelis were killed in the initial Hamas attack, with approximately 250 taken hostage. Efforts to secure the release of the remaining hostages have so far been unsuccessful.
The ICJ's ruling has intensified international pressure on Israel, with several countries, including Spain, Norway, and Ireland, announcing their intention to formally recognize a Palestinian state. This move has been met with strong opposition from Israeli officials, who have severed diplomatic ties with the Spanish embassy in Israel and restricted the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing services to Palestinians.
The United Nations and various humanitarian organizations have expressed grave concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The UN's top humanitarian official, Martin Griffiths, highlighted the severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies affecting the 2.3 million residents of Gaza. The ICJ's ruling called for urgent measures to address these needs, including the reopening of the Rafah border crossing to facilitate the flow of aid.
Despite the ICJ's order, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained steadfast in his commitment to continue the military campaign against Hamas. Netanyahu has dismissed the genocide charges brought by South Africa as "false, outrageous, and morally repugnant" and has vowed to defend Israel against those who seek its destruction.
The ongoing conflict has also sparked regional tensions, with Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon engaging in cross-border skirmishes with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Iran-backed groups launching attacks on U.S. military positions in Iraq and Syria. Efforts to broker a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful, with negotiations stalling amid continued hostilities.
As the situation in Gaza deteriorates, the international community continues to call for an end to the violence and for both sides to engage in meaningful dialogue to achieve a lasting peace. The ICJ's ruling, while a significant step in highlighting the humanitarian crisis, underscores the challenges of enforcing international law in the face of ongoing conflict and political complexities.