Israel’s Continued Assault on Gaza Defies ICJ Ruling
Ongoing Bombardment Despite International Pressure
Israel has persisted in its relentless bombing of Rafah and other parts of Gaza, ignoring an International Court of Justice (ICJ) order to cease military operations. Despite this ruling, attacks have continued, resulting in multiple deaths across central and northern Gaza.
Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud reported from Deir el-Balah that the Shaboura camp and areas near the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah were heavily targeted on Saturday. Injured individuals have been transferred to the hospital, which has issued urgent appeals for fuel to maintain operations, as it remains the only functional hospital in the Rafah governorate.
The ICJ’s ruling, the third this year, aimed to protect approximately 1.4 million Palestinians in Rafah. Since Israel’s offensive began on May 7, over 800,000 Palestinians have fled. The UN’s top court hopes to mitigate the rising death toll and alleviate the humanitarian crisis caused by internal displacement and severe hunger among Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Israeli bombardment has resulted in nearly 36,000 Palestinian deaths and widespread destruction.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the ICJ ruling, denouncing the genocide charges brought by South Africa as “false, outrageous and morally repugnant.” Meanwhile, UN special rapporteur Francesca Albanese called for sanctions against Israel for defying the court’s order, urging member states to impose sanctions, arms embargoes, and suspend diplomatic relations until the assault ceases.
Stepped-Up Attacks in Northern Gaza
In northern Gaza, Israeli forces hit a school in the as-Saftawi neighborhood of Jabalia refugee camp, killing at least ten people and injuring seventeen others. Wafa, the Palestinian news agency, confirmed the fatalities. Additional attacks in Jabalia forced displaced people to flee once more.
Israeli warplanes also bombed a house in Beit Hanoon, killing ten people, including women and children. In Gaza City, a woman died, and several others were injured in an Israeli attack on a family home in the Sabra neighborhood. Further casualties were reported in the Daraj neighborhood due to an air attack on a residential building. Heavy artillery shelling was reported in other Gaza City neighborhoods like Sheikh Ajlin, Tal al-Hawa, and Zeitoun, although casualty details are not yet available.
As casualties rise in northern Gaza, Kamal Adwan Hospital remains surrounded by Israeli troops, preventing it from treating patients. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, head of the pediatrics department, stated that some patients and premature babies are still inside the hospital, with no assurances from the Red Cross or UNICEF on ending the siege.
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Deaths and Desperation in Wadi Gaza
Israeli quadcopters fired on Palestinians in Wadi Gaza, killing at least six people. Palestinians often gather there in desperation to reach aid trucks from a floating pier near Gaza City, part of which has been damaged.
In central Gaza, an Israeli air attack on an apartment building in the Nuseirat refugee camp resulted in four deaths. Israeli troops also took over the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, further hindering aid deliveries. The UN refugee agency for Palestinians (UNRWA) announced a suspension of food distribution in Rafah due to supply shortages and security concerns.
On Friday, UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths highlighted the dire situation on social media, calling for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, emphasizing the urgent need to end the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
