Ignoring ICJ Orders, Israel Still Attacks Rafah
ICJ ordered Israel not to attack Rafah. However, Israel remained unmoved.
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International Court of Justice hearing in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday (24/5/2024).
GAZA, SATURDAY — Israel continues to attack Gaza, including Rafah, on Saturday (25/5/2024) despite International Court or < a href="https://www.kompas.id/label/icj?open_from=automate_body_url">ICJ ordered Israel to stop attacks. Israel has not indicated it will change the course of its operations in Rafah.
According to eyewitnesses from the Palestinian community, the Israeli attacks targeted Rafah and the center of Deir al-Balah city. Clashes took place between the Israeli army and Hamas groups.
Palestinian residents hope that the ICJ's decision will put pressure on Israel to end the war, even though they are not entirely convinced. "Israel sees itself as above the law. Therefore, I don't believe that attacks or wars will stop unless through violence," said Mohammed Saleh, a Gaza resident.
Also read: International Court Orders Israel to Stop Attacks on Rafah
On Friday (24/5/2024), ICJ ordered Israel to stop the attack on Rafah and to keep the Rafah Gate open to maintain the humanitarian route. In addition, ICJ also ordered the immediate and unconditional release of hostages held by Hamas in the attack on October 7, 2023.
The ICJ had previously ordered Israel to do anything to prevent genocide during their attack on Hamas positions in Gaza. However, Israel continued its military operations, even attacking Rafah, which was crowded with refugees.
Palestinian supporters demonstrate outside the International Court of Justice building in The Hague, Netherlands, Friday (24/5/2025).
The Israeli army began to move into Rafah at the beginning of May 2024, ignoring global community opposition. The military took over the side of Rafah that borders Egypt, making it difficult to send humanitarian aid to the residents of Gaza.
Although not binding, the ICJ order provides a breath of fresh air for efforts to press Israel to stop the war in Gaza. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that the ICJ decision is binding. Guterres' spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, said that the UN Secretary-General is confident that all parties will comply with the court's order.
South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor told SABC television station that South Africa is very pleased that the ICJ has responded to his call. "The case is getting stronger day by day, with genocide unfolding," she said.
The Hamas leader appreciated the ICJ's decision regarding Rafah, but criticized the ICJ's decision which excluded other areas in Gaza which were also not spared from the war. "We welcome the ICJ's decision calling on Israel to end its military aggression in Rafah. "We believe that this is not enough because the occupation's aggression in the Gaza Strip, especially in northern Gaza, is equally brutal and dangerous," said Hamas official Naim Basem.
Also read: Filled with Protests, Israel Bans Associated Press from Covering Gaza
He also called on the UN Security Council to immediately implement the ICJ's ruling as practical steps that would force Israel to carry out the decision. Hamas also accepts the ICJ's request to allow an investigative committee to reach Gaza to investigate allegations of genocide.
The spokesman for the Palestinian Authority, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, stated that the presidency welcomes the ICJ's decision. He considers the decision to represent international consensus to stop the war in Gaza.
Palestinian refugees head to Rafah with their belongings on May 7, 2024.
Norway's Foreign Minister, Espen Barth, also called for Israel to comply with the ICJ's orders. "Respect for the court and its functions, including the authority to order provisional measures, is crucial to strengthen international law and the international legal system," he said.
Meanwhile, Israel through a joint statement by the Prime Minister's Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that South Africa's accusations against Israel at the ICJ regarding genocide were false, exaggerated, and terrible. "Israel has not and will not launch any military attacks in Rafah that could cause the destruction of Palestinian civilians, either in whole or in part," said National Security Advisor Tzachi Hanegbi.
Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz declared that Israel launched a fair and necessary attack after an attack against its citizens. "Israel is committed to continue fighting for the release of hostages and promises security for its people whenever and wherever it is needed, including in Rafah," said Gantz.
Also read: Ireland, Norway and Spain Recognize the State of Palestine
He stated that the military will continue to operate in accordance with international law while ensuring the safety of civilians as best as possible. He emphasized that this was not solely done because of the ICJ's order.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations applauds the ICJ's order demanding an immediate end to violence and the forced displacement of Palestinians in Rafah. They called on US President Joe Biden to respect the ICJ decision by immediately ending all military assistance to Israel. Israeli media, The Times of Israel, said, after the ICJ decision, Biden's position on the Rafah operation was clear and consistent.
Negotiation
The ICJ order was issued ahead of a meeting between the leaders of the US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) and Israeli representatives with French President Emmanuel Macron. The meeting also involves foreign ministers from four Arab countries, namely Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. The Paris meeting will discuss the Gaza conflict and efforts to resume ceasefire negotiations.
The ceasefire talks involving US mediators, Egypt, and Qatar ended shortly after Israel launched an operation in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said this week that the war cabinet has asked Israel's delegation to continue negotiations regarding the return of hostages.
Palestinians mourn the families of those who died after the bombing in Rafah, February 10, 2024.
The French presidency said it is currently in talks about the Gaza war and ways to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel. France and four Arab countries are expected to discuss the effective implementation of a two-state solution.
In Washington, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also spoke with Gantz about the latest efforts to achieve a ceasefire and the reopening of the Rafah border as soon as possible. (AFP/AP/Reuters)
