ALBAWABA - In response to Israel's continuous attacks on Rafah in Southern Gaza despite the warning from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the European Union announced it will be sanctioning Israel if it continues to ignore the latest ICJ ruling regarding Rafah.
Irish Tánaiste, Michael Martin, told public broadcaster RTE that the decision was made during a meeting of the European Political Community, where EU foreign ministers for the first time discussed the prospect of sanctions against Israel if it continued to disregard the court’s order.
"Certainly, if compliance isn't forthcoming, then we have to consider all options," Martin stated.
Martin added that the possibility of sanctioning Israeli officials in the West Bank, as settler violence continues to spread. He added that Foreign Ministers would consider sanctioning Israeli officials who were aiding and abetting violent Israeli settlers.
"However, there is some distance between people articulating the need for a sanctions-based approach if Israel does not comply with International Court of Justice rulings, (and) obviously there is not an agreement at the EU Council level given the different perspectives there,".
Martin's statement comes at a time when Israel faces a global outcry over its latest horrifying massacre that led to the killing of more than 40 people and injured hundreds when an Israeli airstrike targeted a makeshift tent camp that housed thousands of Gazans who were forcibly displaced from their homes across the enclave.
According to the media office in Gaza, Israeli aircraft struck many tents in the region, using missiles and 2,000-pound bombs.
On Friday, the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to immediately cease its military attack in Rafah, open the Rafah border, and give access to foreign fact-finding teams.
Al-Aqsa Flood operation against Israel
Hamas military group announced on Oct. 7 a military operation called "Al-Aqsa Flood" against Israel which is the biggest offensive in decades.
Palestinian fighters “infiltrated” Israel from the Gaza Strip and captured military bases and took hostages as photos and videos went viral online showing Hamas fighters on vehicles inside Israel and others paragliding into occupation territory.
In response, Israeli armed forces announced targeting Hamas positions inside the Gaza Strip. Thousands were killed, and dozens of thousands of others were injured in the Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip.
The latest statistics by the Ministry of Health in Gaza revealed that the death toll from Israeli brutal pounding on the Gaza Strip since October 7 has soared to 36,050+ people, with more than 81,026+ injuries.
Since then, approximately 85% of Gazans have been displaced, all of whom are suffering from severe food insecurity, and the healthcare system has collapsed. Hundreds of thousands of people lack shelter, and aid trucks are entering the area at a lower rate than before the conflict began.
