Israeli Airstrikes in Rafah Kill Two Senior Hamas Commanders

Israeli airstrikes in Rafah kill two senior Hamas commanders and 35 others following a Hamas rocket attack on Tel Aviv. The strikes defy an ICJ order to halt operations in Gaza.

On Sunday night, Israeli airstrikes targeted a Hamas compound in Rafah, resulting in the deaths of two senior Hamas commanders and 35 others, according to reports from The Times of Israel. The strikes came in response to Hamas's recent rocket attack on Tel Aviv, marking the first such attack in months.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating it had targeted a compound in the Tel Sultan area of northwestern Rafah. The IDF reported that senior Hamas officials were gathered at the site. The airstrikes also injured dozens and caused a fire in a camp housing displaced civilians.

The IDF identified the killed commanders as Yassin Rabia, who led Hamas's West Bank headquarters, and Khaled Najjar, a senior member of the same unit. According to the IDF, Rabia was responsible for managing military operations, transferring funds for terror activities, and directing attacks in the West Bank. Rabia had also participated in deadly attacks against Israeli soldiers in 2001 and 2002.

Najjar was similarly involved in orchestrating shooting attacks and other terror activities in the West Bank, as well as funneling funds to Hamas operatives. The IDF noted that Najjar carried out several attacks between 2001 and 2003, resulting in the deaths of both civilians and soldiers.

The airstrikes occurred despite an order from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to halt operations in Rafah. Last Friday, the ICJ issued a directive for Israel to cease its activities in southern Gaza and withdraw from the area. This order was part of a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide and highlighting the "immense risk" to the Palestinian population.

The ICJ's directive marks the third instance this year where the court has issued orders to mitigate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Although these orders are legally binding, the ICJ lacks enforcement mechanisms, meaning compliance relies on the cooperation of the parties involved.

Currently, Israel continues its ground assault in Rafah, from which eight Hamas rockets were reportedly launched. The ongoing conflict underscores the persistent tension and violence in the region, despite international efforts to mediate and reduce casualties.

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