Israel unlikely to halt Rafah invasion after ICJ ruling as Netanyahu opts to remain silent

Israel War Cabinet's member 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 on Friday (May 24 ) gave the order to halt the widening offensive.

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 a complete ceasefire.

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Even though Israel is not likely to comply with the court's order, it will increase the 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 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained silent over the entire issue.

Gantz said that Israel “set out on a just and necessary campaign following the brutal massacre of its citizens".

Also Read:World court orders Israel to 'immediately halt' offensive in Rafah

“We will continue operatingin accordance withinternational 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 we stand for," he added.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister 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 civilian population in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part,” said Netanyahu’s government on Friday (May 24).

The ICJ does not 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 cease-fire across Gaza.

US, Egypt agree to send aid through Kerem Shalom crossing in Gaza

US President Joe Biden appreciated the commitment expressed by Egypt in permitting the flow of UN-provided humanitarian aidinto Gazathroughthe Kerem Shalom crossingon a temporary basis, said the White House.

Watch:Israel-Hamas War: ICJ orders Israel to halt military operation in Rafah

"President Biden welcomed the commitment from President al-Sisi to permit the flow of UN-provided humanitarian assistance from Egypt through the Karem Shalom crossing on a provisional basis for onward distribution throughout Gaza. This will help save lives," it added.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)