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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.
Many of the innocent individuals who were abducted in southern Israel on Oct. 7 are believed to be still held captive in Rafah. On Feb. 11, Israel successfully conducted a daring mission in Rafah, rescuing and returning home alive two hostages, Fernando Simon Marman, 60, and Luis Har, 70, both of whom hold dual Argentinian-Israeli citizenship.
Freed hostages have reported experiencing sexual assault during their captivity, and UN officials have confirmed there is "clear and convincing" evidence of rape. During World War II, Allied forces missed the opportunity to save Jewish captives by not bombing the trains to Auschwitz. Now that the Jewish people have their own state and army, we cannot stand idly by and allow our people to continue suffering rape and torture in captivity.
Hamas maintains its last four full-strength battalions of combatants in the strategic city of Rafah. Additionally, Hamas continues to strike into Israeli territory from its Gaza stronghold. Rocket attacks on Israel from Hamas bases in Gaza continue, with three Israel Defense Forces soldiers killed by a Hamas rocket attack on May 5.
The operation in Rafah is a necessary measure to dismantle Hamas's terror infrastructure and secure the release of hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been clear about the dual objectives of the operation: returning hostages and eliminating Hamas.
Israel has made significant efforts to address humanitarian concerns. The IDF's gradual and cautious approach aims to minimize civilian suffering and casualties. The IDF has established field hospitals, provided essential supplies, and created safe zones for displaced persons. Israel has delivered tens of thousands of trucks with hundreds of thousands of tons of aid packages and, ahead of the fighting, helped relocate an incredible 1 million civilians from Rafah. These measures demonstrate Israel's commitment to minimizing civilian casualties and alleviating the humanitarian crisis.
Furthermore, IDF control over the Rafah border crossing with Egypt allows for better regulation of humanitarian aid entering Gaza, ensuring that it reaches those in need rather than being stolen by Hamas and diverted for violent purposes. Holding Rafah is also crucial for long-term security and regional stability. Hamas's ability to smuggle weapons, contraband, and even human beings through the Philadelphi Corridor poses a significant threat not only to Israel but to the broader region. Eliminating these smuggling routes is essential to prevent the rearmament of Hamas and ensure lasting peace.
There is a troubling tendency in international media and some political circles to equate the actions of the IDF with those of Hamas. This false equivalence distorts the reality on the ground and undermines the legitimate security concerns of both Israel and the ordinary Palestinians who suffer under Hamas's rule. It is crucial to differentiate between a sovereign nation's right to defend its citizens and the actions of a terrorist organization that targets civilians
While there is considerable pressure on Israel to cease its operations, it is also an opportunity for Israel to demonstrate its commitment to its security and its willingness to address the root causes of the conflict. Hamas's governance in Gaza has been marked by widespread human rights abuses, including the enforcement of restrictive societal controls, indoctrination of children, and persecution of minorities. By exacerbating the suffering of the civilian population and weaponizing and indoctrinating their people for war, they have ensured that conflict will continue until Israel or its partners oversee a period of robust de-Hamasification efforts in Gaza.
Full-scale operations in Rafah will undoubtedly bring several challenges. Urban warfare in densely populated areas poses significant risks to both military personnel and civilians. The IDF will need to conduct operations with its customary precision and care to avoid unnecessary casualties. The use of intelligence and technology will be crucial in identifying and targeting Hamas operatives and infrastructure while sparing civilians.
Fighting in Rafah could take months to conclude, as with the IDF's Operation Defensive Shield in the West Bank in 2002, which initiated a process that took years to dismantle terrorist infrastructure. The IDF must prepare for a prolonged campaign with sustained international scrutiny and pressure.
The ICJ's ruling calling for an immediate halt to the operation fails to recognize the complexities and necessities of the conflict. Halting the operation prematurely would only embolden Hamas, allowing it to regroup and continue its attacks on Israeli civilians. The international community must understand the context of Israel's actions and recognize the legitimacy of its efforts to defend its citizens and dismantle a terrorist infrastructure that poses a significant threat to regional stability.
Rather than condemning Israel, the focus should be on holding Hamas accountable for its actions and supporting efforts to achieve a lasting peace that addresses the security concerns of both Israelis and Palestinians. Only by confronting the true provocateurs of the conflict can we hope to pave the way for a peaceful resolution and a better future for all those affected by the brutal violence of Hamas and its jihadi allies.
Noa Tishby is Israel's former special envoy for combating antisemitism and delegitimization of Israel. She also is the co-author of the new bestselling book "Uncomfortable Conversations With a Jew" with Emmanuel Acho.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own.
