Netanyahu: World Court Can’t Stop Israel’s War Efforts

In a resolute speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared Israel’s determination to continue its military campaign against Hamas, undeterred by international courts or other entities. This statement came as the conflict in Gaza neared its 100th day.

Netanyahu’s speech followed the International Court of Justice’s hearing of South Africa’s claims that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians, allegations Israel vehemently denies as slanderous. South Africa urged the court for an interim order to stop Israel’s intense military offensive.

Netanyahu’s defiant message emphasized Israel’s intent to disregard any international directives to cease hostilities, hinting at further international isolation for Israel.

Amid global calls for an end to the war, which has resulted in over 23,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and significant suffering, Israel continues its operations, supported by U.S. diplomatic and military backing.

Protests erupted in major cities, including Washington, London, and Paris, with demonstrators questioning U.S. President Joe Biden’s continued support for Israel during the conflict.

Israel contends that ceasing the war would signify a victory for Hamas, the governing body of Gaza since 2007. The war began with a Hamas-led attack on October 7, claiming about 1,200 lives in Israel and taking 250 hostages. As the 100-day mark of the conflict approaches, fears of escalation involving Iran-backed groups have risen.

Recent U.S. and British airstrikes targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen in response to their attacks on commercial ships. In a related development, the International Court of Justice heard South Africa’s complaint about Israel’s military actions, where Israel defended its right to counter a formidable enemy.

Netanyahu, along with army chief Herzl Halevi, stated there are no immediate plans to allow Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza to return, focusing their military efforts on Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Netanyahu also mentioned the need to close gaps along Gaza’s border with Egypt, a key smuggling route, but acknowledged the complexity due to the presence of displaced Palestinians in the area.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported 135 Palestinian deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 23,843, with many women and children among the casualties. Following an Israeli airstrike, rescue workers were seen assisting injured children and recovering bodies.

Israel maintains that Hamas’s use of civilian areas for military purposes contributes to the high civilian casualties. The Israeli military showcased a video of destroying Hamas rocket launchers near civilian areas.

Israeli military losses include 187 soldiers killed and 1,099 injured since the ground operation’s inception. The conflict has displaced over 85% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population, devastating the region’s infrastructure.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to deteriorate, with severe shortages of essentials and limited access to healthcare. Efforts by the U.S. and international community to persuade Israel to mitigate Palestinian civilian suffering have had limited success.