Israel may have to stop its offensive in Rafah

The devastating fire that, according to Hamas, killed dozens of displaced civilians in Rafah and that reportedly started because of an Israeli attack on Hamas terrorists, has come at the worse possible time for Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. 

Four days ago, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that Israel must immediately halt activities in Rafah. Although the language used by the court could imply that Israel may carry out some activities in the city as long as it conforms to its obligations under the Genocide Convention, there were international calls on Israel to cease all activities, and warnings of a disaster have sadly come true.

Rafah is the last Hamas stronghold in Gaza. It’s also where many of the Israeli hostages are likely to be held according to information obtained by the Israel defence Forces (IDF). As such, it’s an important strategic asset for Israel in its war to eliminate Hamas.