Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hardline colleagues have expressed outrage, accusing the ICJ of antisemitism and bias in the direction of Hamas. The previous authorities spokesman, Eylon Levy, highlighted the nationality of the presiding decide, Nawaf Salam, suggesting his Lebanese background influenced his determination.
For critics of Netanyahu, the ruling underscores Israel’s growing worldwide isolation. Indicators of this embody the potential for arrest warrants from the Worldwide Prison Courtroom for Netanyahu and his protection minister, European nations transferring in the direction of recognizing Palestine as a state, and the obvious frustration of the Biden administration with Israel’s reluctance to have interaction in significant future plans.
Israel is disillusioned that its arguments didn’t sway the ICJ judges. It maintains that efforts have been made to guard civilians in Rafah and make sure the supply of meals and important provides to Gaza. Regardless of restricted assist coming into southern Gaza for the reason that offensive started practically three weeks in the past, Israel has permitted the entry of business items, which has stored meals obtainable, albeit not essentially inexpensive. The dreaded mass hunger has not occurred, and circumstances in northern Gaza might need improved because of the opening of further crossing factors.
Nevertheless, the ICJ discovered these measures inadequate, highlighting the continued mass displacement as a major menace to Palestinian lives and wellbeing, necessitating additional motion. South Africa argued that Rafah is “the final line of protection” for Gaza, warning that its fall may trigger irreparable harm to the Palestinian inhabitants. That is what the court docket goals to forestall. Israel insists its operation within the south is just not supposed to trigger such outcomes and seems decided to proceed its present technique.