European diplomats warn Rafah strike could lead to strict interpretation of ICJ ruling
Western diplomats warned Monday that European countries may strictly interpret the International Court of Justice’s decision on the Israel Defense Forces’ operation in Rafah following the deadly incident in which dozens of civilians died as a result of an Israeli attack on the city overnight into Monday.
According to him, however, the death of many Palestinian civilians following a fire that broke out after the IDF attacked Rafah may change the picture.
“It’s hard to ignore the awful timing of this incident,” one diplomat told Haaretz. “Two days after the ICJ said to Israel, ‘you can operate in Rafah but don’t cause mass civilian casualties,’ an airstrike causes mass civilian casualties. This will turn up the pressure for a complete halt of the offensive, in Rafah and of the war in general.”
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who is highly critical of Israel, accused the country of violating the ICJ’s orders. Germany’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the photos coming out of Rafah were “unbearable” and called on Israel to immediately investigate the circumstances of the incident and better protect the civilian population there.
Add comment