Israel’s National Security Council and Foreign Ministry released a joint statement, condemning the ICJ’s decision as “false, outrageous and disgusting,” asserting that Israel’s actions are fully justified in light of terrorist attacks.

In response to today’s ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Israel has announced it will not carry out military operations in Rafah that could endanger the civilian population. The ICJ ruling, issued on May 24, 2024, calls for an immediate cessation of actions that risk civilian lives in the southern Gaza city.

Israel’s National Security Council and Foreign Ministry released a joint statement, condemning the ICJ’s decision as “false, outrageous and disgusting,” asserting that Israel’s actions are justified in light of recent terrorist attacks.

“Following the terrible terrorist attack on the citizens of Israel on October 7, 2023, Israel embarked on a just defensive war to eliminate the Hamas terror organization and to free our hostages,” the statement read. “Israel does this in accordance with its right to defend its territory and its citizens, while maintaining its moral values ​​and adhering to international law.”

Emphasizing Israel’s commitment to humanitarian principles, the statement assured that no military operations would be conducted in Rafah that might lead to the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population. “Israel has not and will not carry out military operations in the Rafah area that create conditions that could lead to the destruction of the Palestinian civilian population, in whole or in part,” the statement continued.

Furthermore, Israel reaffirmed its efforts to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza. “Israel will continue its efforts to allow humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip and act in accordance with the law to reduce, as much as possible, the damage to the civilian population in the Gaza Strip,” the statement said. Despite military operations, Israel remains committed to ensuring that aid reaches those in need, while also preventing terror organizations from exploiting the Rafah Crossing.

The Rafah Crossing has been a point of contention, particularly since Egypt’s refusal to reopen it following Israel’s control of the Gaza side on May 7. Jerusalem insists on securing the crossing to prevent the re-establishment of terror activities, while balancing its security needs and humanitarian obligations.