(VOVWORLD) -Israeli warplanes and artillery on Saturday attacked Rafah as the government dismissed the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling ordering it to halt its military offensive in the southern Gaza city.
 Israel soldiers deployed in the military offensive in Rafah, Gaza, on May 18, 2024 (Photo: Xinhua/VNA) |
Witnesses reported strikes or shelling in Rafah, the central city of Deir al-Balah, and Gaza City and Jabalia refugee camp in the north.
Al Jazeera TV reported that Israeli forces pursued Palestinian gunmen in the city of Jenin on the West Bank of the Jordan River. Israeli soldiers are blocking roads in the city and a nearby refugee camp. All hospitals and several important buildings were surrounded.
On Friday, the ICJ ordered Israel to "immediately" halt its military offensive in the city of Rafah. This is considered a landmark ruling that would likely increase international pressure on Israel more than seven months since the conflict broke out in the Gaza Strip.
Israel, on the same day, dismissed the ruling, on the grounds that the military operations in Rafah do not threaten the living conditions of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
German Vice Chancellor Robert Habeck on Saturday accused Israel of breaking international law by continuing its offensive against Rafah.