International Court of Justice Orders Ceasefire on Rafah Attacks
Israeli Forces Continue Airstrikes Despite Order
Israel-Hamas Negotiation Prospects Unclear Due to Conflicting Interests
Despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering a halt to attacks on the southernmost part of the Gaza Strip, Rafah, the Israeli military continued airstrikes, resulting in at least 20 deaths among Rafah refugees. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remain at an impasse due to conflicting interests on both sides.
On the 26th (local time), major foreign media outlets including the Associated Press (AP) cited Palestinian emergency medical teams operating in the Gaza Strip, reporting that at least 22 people were killed when the Israeli military bombed refugee tents in Rafah. The Hamas-led Gaza government estimated the death toll to be at least 30. The spokesperson for the Palestinian Red Crescent stated via social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that dozens were also injured, suggesting the death toll could rise.
The Gaza side claims that the airstrike area was designated as a humanitarian zone by Israel. Earlier this month, just before the Rafah airstrike, Israel had ordered residents to evacuate to a humanitarian zone. The Israeli military has refrained from making specific comments regarding this Rafah airstrike.
There is also analysis that the attack may have been retaliation for the simultaneous long-range rocket barrage targeting central Israel, including Tel Aviv, launched from Gaza on the same day. This was the first time Hamas fired long-range rockets from Gaza since January, and the Israeli response came within hours. AP reported no casualties from the Hamas rocket attack.
Earlier, on the 24th, the ICJ ordered Israel to cease airstrikes on Rafah, but Israel has stated its intention to continue attacking Rafah, considered Hamas's last stronghold. The Israeli military attacked the center of Rafah and Deir al-Balah in central Gaza the day after the ICJ's order. The Gaza Ministry of Health has reported approximately 36,000 Palestinian deaths due to the war between Israel and Hamas. However, this figure includes both civilians and combatants.
As ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas gain momentum, voices within the current Israeli government express skepticism about reaching an agreement. On the same day, Israeli media outlet Haaretz reported that Nitzan Alon, a retired general and the chief official responsible for missing soldiers and prisoners, told the family liaison officer for soldiers held hostage by Hamas, "I feel frustrated with the current situation. With the current government officials, a negotiation agreement will not be reached."
The persistent gap between Israel and Hamas remains unresolved. In the Gaza ceasefire negotiations, Israel demands the release of all hostages, while Hamas insists that a ceasefire must be included.
Meanwhile, among the approximately 250 Israeli hostages, over 130 have yet to return, and there have been repeated cases of hostages being found deceased. In response, Israel continues to increase military pressure on Rafah, further escalating tensions between the two sides.
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