In a bold display of defiance, Israel has escalated its attacks on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, disregarding a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to immediately halt its military offensive. The Israeli army engaged in intense fighting with the Hamas militant group on Saturday morning, carrying out strikes and shelling throughout the Gaza Strip.

According to media reports, Israeli strikes and shelling targeted not only Rafah but also the central city of Deir al-Balah, Gaza City, Jabalia refugee camp, and other areas in the region. The ICJ, the United Nations' top court, issued a ruling on Friday, in response to a case brought by South Africa, demanding that Israel cease all military action in the Rafah governorate. The court stressed that the conditions inflicted on the Palestinian group in Gaza could lead to its physical destruction, either wholly or partially.

However, Israeli officials wasted no time in condemning the ICJ ruling and expressed their refusal to comply with its demands. The Foreign Ministry denounced South Africa's accusations of genocide, which ultimately led to the ICJ's decision, as "false, outrageous, and morally repugnant."

In response to the situation, European Union (EU) officials have urged Israel to abide by the ICJ's ruling. Josep Borrell, the EU's top foreign affairs official, emphasized that the court's orders are binding on all parties involved and must be fully and effectively implemented.

Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares joined the call for an immediate cessation of the assault on Rafah. In addition to a ceasefire, Albares demanded the release of hostages and humanitarian access to the city. He stressed that the suffering of the people in Gaza and the violence must come to an end.

As tensions continue to escalate between Israel and Hamas, the international community anxiously awaits the next steps and hopes for a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The refusal of Israel to comply with the ICJ's ruling raises concerns about the potential consequences and ramifications for both sides involved.

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