The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to immediately cease its military assault on Rafah, a city in southern Gaza where over 1 million people sought refuge under dire conditions. Citing an “immediate risk” to Palestinians, the court highlighted that over 800,000 individuals were forced to flee Rafah due to Israeli ground operations, previously deemed a safe zone.
Judge Nawaf Salam, president of the ICJ, criticized Israel for not adequately addressing concerns raised by its offensive, while Palestinian living conditions worsened. Although the ICJ lacks enforcement power, this landmark ruling adds pressure on Israel, despite its indication of non-compliance.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reviewing the ruling with legal advisors. Meanwhile, Israeli Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the decision, arguing the court didn’t link the fighting in Rafah with the return of Israeli hostages. Hamas welcomed the ruling, hoping for similar decisions encompassing the entire Gaza Strip, not just Rafah.