Netanyahu challenged the UN Court’s decision; Israel will remain aggressive

Rafah, Gaza Strip –

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday expressed disagreement with the International Court of Justice’s decision to limit deaths and destruction in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, saying that “we decide and act according to what is necessary for our security.” Are.”

Three Palestinians were killed in an airstrike by Israeli forces targeting a Hamas commander in southern Gaza early Saturday, according to witnesses.

The UN’s highest court has asked Israel to publish a report on compliance with established measures within a month, so the Israeli military is now under close scrutiny. The court’s binding decision, issued Friday, does not order a ceasefire, but its orders were, in part, a rebuke of Israel’s conduct in its nearly four-month war against Hamas, the group that rules Gaza.

The United Nations Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the main aid organization for the Gaza population amid the humanitarian disaster, indicated that nine countries had suspended its funding following the allegations. Took part in the October 7 Hamas attack on Gaza that sparked the war. Britain, Italy and Finland joined the United States, Australia and Canada in suspending funding to UNRWA.

UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said it would be “grossly irresponsible” to impose sanctions on the agency and the community it serves at such a difficult time for Gazans, especially after he immediately fired a “small group” of staff. Gave. The agency, which is made up of 13,000 people and relies almost exclusively on contributions from countries, indicated that it currently manages shelters for more than 1 million people and that its work “could collapse at any time.” Is.”

The war between Israel and Hamas has killed more than 26,000 Palestinians, destroyed much of Gaza and displaced about 85% of the territory’s 2.3 million people, according to local health officials. The Hamas attack in southern Israel killed about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and took about 250 hostage.

According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 174 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours. It does not distinguish between combatants and civilians in its figures, but claims that about two-thirds of those killed were women and children.

Israel blames Hamas for civilian casualties, arguing that militants are assimilating into the local population. Israel claims to have killed more than 9,000 fighters in its air and ground attacks in Gaza.

The Israeli military said it had carried out several raids targeting militant hideouts in the southern city of Khan Yunis, as well as airstrikes in the nearby city of Rafah, which targeted a Hamas commander.

Bilal al-Siksik said his wife, a son and a daughter were killed in the attack in Rafah, which occurred while they were sleeping. He said that the decision of the UN court has no meaning, because it did not stop the war.

“No one can speak in front of them (Israel). The United States, with all its greatness and power, can do nothing,” he insisted, standing next to the wreckage and twisted metal of his home.

More than one million people have fled to Rafah and surrounding areas after Israel ordered civilians to take shelter in the area. The designated evacuation zones have come under repeated air strikes, and Israel has said it will continue to pursue terrorists to the extent necessary.

In Muwasi, a narrow coastal strip once designated a safe zone but under attack in recent days, displaced Palestinians walked on tiptoe and sandals through garbage-filled puddles in cold, wet weather. The walls of sheets and tarpaulins were fluttering in the wind. A mother started crying as the rain poured in and drenched the blankets.

“This is our life. We have nothing and we leave (our homes) with nothing,” said Bassam Bolbol, whose family came to Muwasi after leaving Khan Younis and finding no shelter in Rafah. Went.

Frustration increases due to uncertainty.

As thousands of Gazans fled the fighting in Khan Yunis towards Muwasi, Israel shared a video showing a crowd apparently calling for the overthrow of Hamas.

Gaza residents expressed disappointment that the UN court did not order an immediate end to the war. The charge presented by South Africa states that Israel commits genocide against the inhabitants of the Palestinian territory, which Israel strongly rejects. A final decision is expected to take several years.

The court ordered Israel to immediately allow basic aid into Gaza, where according to the UN and other members, aid entering the territory is well below the pre-war daily average of 500 trucks. The UN says access to central and northern Gaza has been reduced due to “extreme delays” in access and increased military activity.

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Shurafa reported from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip. Aamer Madhani, Matthew Lee and Zeke Miller in Washington, Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Elena Bekatoros in Athens contributed to this report.