Israel-Gaza Conflict: Battle in Rafah and International Legal Maneuvers

Israel is expected to respond to South Africa's request to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an order to halt its assault on Rafah and allow international investigators and journalists into Gaza. The war between Israel and Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 35,272 Palestinians since October 7. The US military has completed the installation of a floating pier to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the delivery is expected to begin within the next 24-48 hours.

South Africa has once again called for action against Israel at the International Court of Justice over the accusation of genocide in Gaza. Israel's representatives have dismissed these accusations and have made allegations against South Africa. Israel argues that a complete troop withdrawal from the Gaza Strip would compromise its defense against the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas.

Israeli government lawyers defended the military operation in Rafah as 'limited and localized' at the U.N. Court amidst a South African petition seeking to halt the assault. More than 630,000 people have fled the area, with accusations of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel has criticized South Africa's case against it in the international court of justice, claiming it is an exploitation of the genocide convention to defend Hamas militants rather than protect Palestinian civilians. Israel argued that it is engaged in a war of self-defense and has made efforts to protect civilians and provide aid to Gaza. The hearing took place in The Hague, while G7 countries (excluding the US) sent a joint letter urging Israel to comply with international law in Gaza and..