ICJ Orders Israel To Halt Military Actions In Rafah Gaza

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday ordered Israel to stop its military actions in Rafah. This decision puts more pressure on Israel, which has faced criticism over its conduct in Gaza. The United States, Israel's close ally, has also expressed concern.

The U.S. had earlier warned against an invasion of Rafah, where many Palestinians have sought refuge following intense fighting in Gaza. Additionally, Spain, Ireland, and Norway announced their recognition of a Palestinian state, urging other European nations to follow suit.

The chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Court (ICC) has also requested arrest warrants for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Meanwhile, Netanyahu faces domestic pressure to end the war, with thousands of Israelis protesting weekly for a deal to free hostages.

Israel's Response to the ICJ Ruling

Israel has called the ICJ ruling a 'moral failure.' Although the court's decisions are binding, history shows that they are often ignored. During a press briefing, government spokesperson Avi Hyman said, "No power on earth will stop Israel from protecting its citizens and going after Hamas in Gaza."

Following the ruling, Netanyahu announced a special ministerial meeting to discuss the response. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized the decision, calling it a moral failure for not linking the end of military operations to the release of hostages and Israel's right to self-defense.

ICJ Ruling Details

ICJ president Nawaf Salam read the ruling, stating that the situation in Palestine has worsened since the last court order. The court found conditions met for a new emergency order. "The state of Israel shall immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah governorate," said Salam.

Salam highlighted the humanitarian crisis, noting that Israel had not explained how it would ensure the safety and basic needs of 800,000 Palestinians who had fled. The ICJ also ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing for aid from Egypt and to provide access for investigators, with a progress report due in one month.

The order passed with a 13-2 vote, opposed only by judges from Uganda and Israel. South Africa, which had earlier filed a case against Israel for alleged genocide, welcomed the ruling. The Palestinian Authority also supported the decision but said it was insufficient as it did not stop fighting in other parts of Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)