The Israeli military has ordered Palestinian civilians to evacuate parts of eastern Rafah in preparation for a planned operation in the southern Gaza city. Approximately 100,000 people have been instructed to relocate to camps in nearby towns of Khan Younis and Al Mawasi using text messages, leaflets, and social media.
As tensions rise, several countries, including the United States, have cautioned Israel against launching an offensive in Rafah, which is the last refuge for over a million Palestinians. International pressure is mounting on Israel to halt its military actions, with some nations taking concrete steps to exert influence.
Colombia recently announced the severance of diplomatic ties with Israel, while Turkey has suspended trade with the country. These moves, though symbolic, contribute to Israel’s diplomatic isolation and highlight global condemnation of its actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Furthermore, countries like Canada, Italy, Japan, Belgium, and Spain have decided to halt arms sales to Israel in response to the conflict. However, the impact of these restrictions is limited, as the majority of Israel’s weapon imports come from the United States and Germany.
In a unique approach, South Africa has taken Israel to the International Court of Justice, accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The court issued a provisional ruling urging Israel to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza. Meanwhile, the International Criminal Court (ICC) is also investigating potential war crimes and crimes against humanity in the region, which has put Israeli leaders on edge.
These actions and decisions from various countries indicate a growing international concern over the situation in Gaza and an increased demand for accountability from Israel. The outcome of these diplomatic and legal actions remains uncertain, but they signal a significant shift in the global perception of Israel’s actions in the region.