World Court orders Israel to stop Rafah offensive
Judges at the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The court backed a South African request to stop Israel’s offensive in Rafah, with Israel arguing its operations are self-defense against Hamas militants. Israel’s assault on Rafah has forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians to flee, cutting off aid and raising the risk of famine. The court’s rulings are final and binding, but lack enforcement powers. Israel faces diplomatic pressure and accusations of crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court. Israel denies charges of genocide and continues its military operations in Gaza.