Israel Persists in Bombing Gaza, Including Rafah, Defying ICJ Ruling

 Israel has continued its relentless bombing campaign in Gaza, targeting areas including Rafah, despite an International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling demanding an end to the military operations. Reports from Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud in Deir el-Balah indicated that the Shaboura camp and areas near the Kuwaiti Hospital in Rafah were struck on Saturday. The bombardment has led to numerous injuries, with several wounded being transported to the hospital. The facility, the only one still operational in Rafah governorate, has urgently appealed for fuel to sustain its operations.

This ICJ ruling, the third this year, directed Israel to cease its offensive due to the "immense risk" posed to 1.4 million Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah. Since the offensive began on May 7, over 800,000 Palestinians have fled Rafah. The UN's top court aims to address the rising death toll and the humanitarian crisis stemming from internal displacement and widespread hunger affecting Gaza's 2.3 million residents. Since October, nearly 36,000 Palestinians have died, and significant portions of Gaza have been devastated by Israeli airstrikes.

Despite the ICJ's directive, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the court's ruling, condemning the genocide accusations from South Africa as “false, outrageous and morally repugnant.” In response to Israel's defiance, the UN's special rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, called for international sanctions. She urged member states to impose sanctions, arms embargoes, and suspend diplomatic relations with Israel until the assault ceases.

In northern Gaza, Israeli forces intensified their attacks, including a strike on a school sheltering displaced individuals in Jabalia refugee camp's as-Saftawi neighborhood. Medical sources reported at least 10 deaths and 17 injuries. Further bombings in Jabalia camp have caused additional displacement. In Beit Hanoon, another northern city, an Israeli airstrike on a house killed 10 people, including women and children. In Gaza City, attacks on residential areas in the Sabra and Daraj neighborhoods resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. Heavy artillery shelling also hit Sheikh Ajlin, Tal al-Hawa, and Zeitoun neighborhoods.

Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza remains besieged by Israeli troops, severely limiting its ability to treat patients. Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, head of the pediatrics department, reported contacting the Red Cross and UNICEF for assistance, but has yet to receive assurances of intervention to lift the siege. The situation remains dire for patients and premature babies inside the hospital.