The International Court of Justice has ordered Israel to stop its actions in Rafah – Photo: Reuters
The International Court has issued an order to stop Israel from taking action in the Palestinian region of Rafah in response to a request from South Africa, prompting Hamas leaders to demand immediate implementation while Israeli ministers rejected the decision.
According to reports by Reuters, Hamas representative Basem Naeem welcomed the decision, stating that they support the International Court’s ruling, which calls on the Zionist forces to end their military aggression in Rafah.
Naeem emphasized that the ruling is not enough because Israeli forces continue their aggression in the Gaza Strip, especially in northern Gaza, where violent actions are occurring that are both cruel and dangerous.
Hamas’s representative stated that they are calling for immediate implementation of the International Court’s ruling and for Israeli forces to take practical steps to comply.
He also requested permission to send an inspection committee to investigate the atrocities against Palestinians and stated that Hamas would cooperate fully with the inspection committee.
The spokesman for the Palestinian Authority, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, welcomed the statement issued by the International Court, appreciating the expression of international consensus for ending the war in Gaza.
On the other hand, Israeli ministers rejected the orders issued by the International Court to halt military action in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza, insisting on the release of Israeli prisoners and continuing the war against Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that the allegations of genocide against Israel in southern Africa by the International Court are untrue and shameful.
They reiterated that Israel has not carried out any actions in those areas of Rafah where civilians are present, and the military operations could lead to widespread or partial destruction of the Palestinian population.
Global reaction
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the International Court’s ruling to stop Israel’s aggressive actions in Rafah under the crimes of genocide law.
Turkey’s Foreign Ministry also welcomed the International Court’s decision and called for the opening of the Rafah border to allow humanitarian aid to be delivered on a humanitarian basis.
The statement emphasized that no country is above the law in the world, and it is expected that Israel will immediately implement all the decisions of the court.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry called for UN Security Council to play a role in ensuring that these actions are verified to ensure compliance.
Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, expressed hope that all parties would follow international law.
Norway’s Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide, stated in a statement that he expects the ruling to be fully implemented, emphasizing the importance of respect for the court and its role in strengthening international law and the international legal system.