Displaced by Israel’s prolonged Gaza offensive, Salwa al-Masri and other Palestinians are seeking immediate enforcement of a recent International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling demanding Israel halt its military actions in Rafah.
“The massacres are only increasing,” Masri said while preparing a meal outside her tent in Deir al-Balah, highlighting the disparity between international declarations and on-the-ground realities. “We want these decisions to be implemented on the ground.”
On Friday, the ICJ ordered Israel to cease its offensive in Rafah governorate following a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide. However, with no enforcement mechanism at its disposal, the court’s ruling faces significant challenges. Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to its military operations, calling the actions against Hamas “just and necessary” to retrieve hostages and ensure national security.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by Hamas fighters’ attack on October 7, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of around 250 people, has led to severe retaliatory strikes from Israel. Gaza health authorities report over 35,000 Palestinian deaths and extensive destruction across the enclave.
Israel refutes South Africa’s genocide allegations, asserting self-defense against Hamas. However, many Palestinians, including Shaban Abdel-Raouf, who has been displaced multiple times, feel abandoned by the international community.
“Israel doesn’t care about the world, it acts as if it was above the law because the U.S. administration is shielding it against punishment,” Abdel-Raouf said.
As Israel advances into Rafah and continues simultaneous assaults on Gaza’s northern and southern regions, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are forced to flee, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and blocking essential aid routes.
South Africa’s legal team urged the ICJ to impose emergency measures to stop Israel’s Rafah operations to protect Palestinian lives.
While Hamas welcomed the ICJ’s ruling, it criticized the lack of immediate and comprehensive action to halt the broader conflict. Displaced Palestinians like Nabil Diab insist on more than declarations, calling for concrete measures to end the hostilities.
