Israeli PM Vows to Continue War Amid International Outrage

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue the war amid condemnation of the recent air strike on Rafah, which has sparked international outrage and deep concern over civilian casualties. During his address, Netanyahu stressed the importance of protecting civilians and asserted that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were making every effort to avoid harming non-combatants. However, his remarks were met with heckles from family members of hostages held by Hamas, who criticized him for failing to secure the release of their loved ones. The strike on Rafah, which resulted in the deaths of numerous civilians, has drawn condemnation from international organizations, including the European Union and the United Nations. The EU called the attack "horrifying" and urged Israel to abide by a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice to halt strikes on Rafah. Despite the ICJ ruling, Israel has indicated its intention to continue the invasion of Rafah, citing compliance with international law. The UN's human rights chief expressed concern over the use of force by Israel, stating that there appears to be no change in the methods that have led to civilian deaths. The air strike on Rafah occurred in the aftermath of a missile attack by Hamas on Tel Aviv, which escalated tensions in the region. While IDF officials claimed to have targeted senior Hamas commanders, the strike also resulted in civilian casualties, with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reporting a significant number of deaths and injuries, including women and children. MSF criticized the attack, stating that it showed a disregard for civilian lives in Gaza. The organization disputed Israeli claims of precision targeting, emphasizing the impact on a populated area designated as a "safe zone" for displaced people. The United States acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself but emphasized the importance of protecting civilians. A White House spokesperson described the images from Rafah as "heartbreaking" and emphasized the need for Israel to take all possible precautions to prevent harm to non-combatants. As the conflict in the region continues to escalate, concerns over civilian casualties and the impact of the violence on innocent lives highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the Israel-Gaza conflict.