Israel Hamas War: Gaza: UN Calls for Rafah Halt

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The United Nations’ International Court of Justice ordered Israel yesterday to halt military action and any other operations that may lead to the loss of civilian life in the Gazan city of Rafah. The decision is the latest in a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide against the Palestinian population in the Gaza Strip, a charge Israel has strongly rejected.

While the decision is meant to be binding for UN member nations, the high court has no means to enforce the order and Israel has signaled it will continue current operations near the city. An estimated 300,000 to 400,000 people remain in Rafah, which sits at Gaza’s southern border with Egypt and is home to the primary gate facilitating aid flow. Israel has for months appeared ready to carry out a full-scale operation in Rafah but has only carried out limited incursions to date.

Separately, the Israeli military said bodies of three more hostages taken during Hamas’ initial Oct. 7 attack were recovered. Around 100 hostages and the bodies of nearly 40 others are believed to still be held in Gaza.

Source: 1440

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