Israel Defends Military Operation in Rafah at United Nations’ Top Court
Israel Defends Military Operation in Rafah at United Nations Court
Lawyers representing Israel appeared at the International Court of Justice in The Hague on Friday to defend the military operation in Rafah, arguing that the judges should not seek to restrict Israel’s actions in Gaza. The operation, described as “limited and localized,” has been the subject of intense international scrutiny.
The hearings came in response to a petition from South Africa, which called for an immediate halt to Israel’s ground assault in Rafah. Israeli forces have advanced into the outskirts of the city, ordering mass evacuations and intensifying their bombardment in preparation for a long-anticipated invasion.
More than 630,000 people have fled the area, many of whom were already displaced from elsewhere in Gaza. The United Nations has been monitoring the situation closely, with concerns about the potential for widespread civilian harm.
The case brought by South Africa accuses Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, a claim vehemently rejected by Israeli officials. Despite a previous order from the court to prevent acts of genocide, the main case is not expected to be heard until next year.
During the hearing, Israeli deputy attorney general for international law, Gilad Noam, emphasized Israel’s efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid and protect civilians amidst the conflict. He stated that the operation in Rafah was necessary to topple Hamas’s rule in Gaza, citing the presence of Hamas fighters and hostages in the city.
The prospect of a major ground invasion of Rafah has drawn criticism from the international community, including the Biden administration. President Biden expressed concerns about civilian casualties and threatened to withhold weapons if Israel launched a full-fledged assault in densely populated areas.
Israeli officials argued against the court’s intervention in operational aspects of the conflict, warning that demanding a cease-fire would hinder Israel’s ability to combat Hamas. They also highlighted ongoing investigations into possible violations by Israeli forces during the conflict.
Human rights groups have raised concerns about the credibility of Israeli military investigations into alleged misconduct, calling for independent oversight. Israeli officials, in turn, have accused South Africa of acting as a “legal arm” of Hamas, highlighting connections between the two entities.
As the court considers South Africa’s request for an emergency order to prevent civilian harm in Rafah, the international community continues to monitor the situation in Gaza closely. The outcome of the case could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict and efforts to protect civilian lives.