By Janet Ekstract ISTANBUL-The Turkish Foreign Ministry put out a statement on May 24, lauding the International Court of Justice (ICJ) decision that orders Israel to immediately stop its attacks on Rafah. In a formal statement, the ministry said that Turkiye expects Israel to comply immediately with all ICJ decisions. The Turkish Foreign Ministry also pointed out what the ICJ has that “no country is above the law” and that Turkiye calls on the U.N. Security Council to fulfill its responsibility to guarantee the ICJ decisions are implemented. Meanwhile, Norway, Ireland and Spain said their countries will officially recognize Palestine as a state on May 28. Israel’s response was to label the move anti-Semitic and a win for Hamas whose leadership is encouraging other countries to follow their lead. The ICJ’s decision has put even more pressure on Netanyahu and his government with his own citizens protesting daily, calling for Netanyahu’s resignation. The ICJ’s decision is the third time this year that the 15-judge panel issued preliminary orders on Israel in Gaza amid a worsening famine and humanitarian disaster.
Though U.S. officials reiterate Israel’s right to “defend itself against Hamas” – the reality speaks loud and clear that worldwide condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza have taken center stage. U.S. President Joe Biden had warned Israel that Rafah is a “red line” and that no 2,000 ton bombs would be supplied for any Rafah offensive with 1.5 million people taking refuge in the area. Meanwhile, International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor Karim Khan is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his defense minister and Hamas leadership. It’s doubtful as to whether or not the warrants will actually be issued, according to analysts but a number of countries have welcomed Khan’s actions.
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