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Israel’s war Cabinet minister Benny Gantz hinted that the military of the country is not likely to change its course in the Rafah invasion even after the top UN Court gave the order to halt the widening offensive on May 24, 2024. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to immediately stop the ongoing military offensive in Rafah, which is located in Southern Gaza. However, it did not order ceasefire.
The message to Israel is three-pronged: First, halt the ongoing offensive operations in Rafah, access to Gaza for war crime investigation and a big humanitarian aid to the region, parts of which are enduring a famine like situation
Even though Israel is not likely to comply with the court’s order, it will increase pressure on the country. The comments were made by Gantz after the top UN court gave an order to halt the Rafah offensive as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu remained silent on the entire issue. Gantz said that Israel set out on a just and necessary campaign following the brutal massacre of the citizens.
“We will continue operating in accordance with international law wherever, we might operate while safeguarding to the best extent possible the civilian population. Not because of the ICJ, but because of who we are and the values that we stand for,” he added.
Meanwhile Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has said that accusations made about Tel Aviv carrying out a genocide in Gaza are false, outrageous and morally repugnant.” Israel has not and will not conduct military actions in the Rafah area which may inflict on the Palestinian population (civilians) in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about the its physical destruction in whole or part.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is also under some pressure at home to end the war. Thousands of Israelis have joined weekly demonstrations calling on the government to reach a deal to bring the hostages home, fearing time is running out.
The ICJ doesn’t have a police force which can help them in ensuring that their orders are enforced. Israel was also asked by the court to reopen the Rafah border crossing. However, it abstained from ordering a complete ceasefire across Gaza. US President Joe Biden appreciated the commitment made by Egypt in permitting the flow of UN provided humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing on a temporary basis, said the White House.
“President Biden welcomed the commitment from President Al-Sisi to permit the flow of humanitarian aid and assistance from Egypt through the Karen Shalom Border crossing on a provisional basis for onward distribution throughout Gaza. This will save lives,” it added.
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