9 June 2024

Why Israel's Operation in Rafah Is Not Only Acceptable but Necessary | Opinion

Noa Tishby

The recent ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to halt its military operation in Rafah has amplified the terrorist-sponsored international pressure campaign on Israel. Sadly, this directive fails to consider several critical factors that make Israel's operation not only acceptable but necessary.

Sophisticated readers understand the military operation in Rafah in the context of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the violent Jihadi group Hamas, whose founding charter is committed to Israel's destruction. On Oct. 7, Hamas launched a devastating attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people, many of whom they raped and mutilated, and taking nearly 250 others hostage. This brutal assault necessitated a decisive response from Israel to protect its citizens and prevent further atrocities, as Hamas has vowed to attempt to repeat the attacks again and again.

Rafah is the last major stronghold of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The city's strategic significance cannot be overstated, as it serves as a critical hub for Hamas's operations, including smuggling weapons and supplies through tunnels under the Philadelphi Corridor, which connects Gaza to Egypt. Policing Rafah is essential for Israel to dismantle Hamas's military infrastructure and sever its supply lines.

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