The US is at risk of isolation and criticism from the international community if it fails to pressure Israel to stop attacking Rafah, as requested by the ICJ. On May 24, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, Netherlands ruled that the Israeli military must immediately halt military attacks and actions in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip. This decision puts significant pressure on Israel, which is already isolated due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Three European countries – Norway, Ireland, and Spain – officially recognized the Palestinian state on May 28, further increasing tensions with Israel. President Joe Biden’s administration supports Tel Aviv’s military campaign in Gaza, believing that Israel’s operation in Rafah is a limited attack aimed at destroying Hamas while minimizing harm to civilians and freeing Israeli hostages held in Gaza. However, this view contradicts the ICJ’s judgment that Israel’s actions in Gaza risked genocide.
The ICJ ruling is not binding but could be a warning for Israel and the US to intervene and stop the bloodshed in Gaza. Despite growing isolation, Israel continues to receive weapons from the US, weakening its leverage over Tel Aviv and potentially isolating the US in the international community. The impacts of this decision are significant for both Israel and the US as they face challenges addressing the conflict in Gaza.
The ruling highlights how difficult it is for both countries to find common ground on this issue. While many countries see Israel as stubborn for ignoring pressure to end the conflict in Gaza, some still view it as a necessary action to protect its citizens from terrorism. The Biden administration has yet to make any changes to its policy towards Israel following this ruling.
Overall, this situation underscores how complex international relations can be when there are competing interests at play. It also raises questions about how governments should balance their strategic relationships with their moral responsibilities when dealing with human rights violations like those committed by Hamas against innocent Palestinians.
As such, both Israel and the US have a responsibility to work towards finding a peaceful solution that respects both sides’ rights and needs while avoiding further escalation of violence or isolation from other nations.
