News brief

World Court orders Israel to halt military operations in Rafah. Judges at the top United Nations court ordered Israel on May 24 to halt its military assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, in a landmark emergency ruling on South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide. The court also ordered Israel to open the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza to allow in humanitarian aid, and said it must provide access to the besieged enclave for investigators and report back on its progress within one month. The order was adopted by the panel of 15 judges from around the world in a 13-2 vote.

Palestinians displaced by Israel’s war against Hamas have had steadily fewer options for safe shelter. With Israel’s sights now set on Rafah, and despite cease-fire talks, fearful Palestinians are wondering where they can go next.

From the start of the war in Gaza seven months ago, Israel’s dual war aims – rescuing hostages and defeating Hamas – have been in tension. As pressures mount on Israel to choose between a cease-fire and an invasion of Rafah, that tension is soaring.