Israeli air strike in Rafah kills at least 45 people; Japan foreign minister urges Israel to honor ICJ’s order to stop Rafah offensive

International criticism is growing as civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise. On Sunday health officials in Gaza say an Israeli air strike in Rafah has killed at least 45 people. Footage at the site shows completely destroyed tents.

This latest attack by Israeli forces came after the International Court of Justice on Friday issued provisional measures ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah and to keep the Rafah crossing open for humanitarian assistance. But the Israeli military continues its offensive.

Footage also shows residents in Rafah picking up canned food from burnt debris.

A man living nearby said he saw victims lying on the ground, and that they were women, children and elderly.

The Israeli military insisted that the strike was targeted at two senior Hamas members. It added that a number of steps had been taken to reduce the risk of civilian casualties.

The Israeli government said initial reports suggest that a fire broke out after the attack, which appears to have taken civilian lives.

The government also said civilian casualties are regrettable, “but this is the war Hamas wanted and started.”

Kamikawa Yoko Japan’s Foreign Minister has urged Israel to follow an order by the International Court of Justice to stop its military operations in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

Kamikawa spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz by telephone on Monday.

She said the Japanese government is deeply concerned about the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza and is opposed to a full scale military operation in Rafah.

Kamikawa said the ICJ’s order is legally binding on the parties to disputes and should be implemented in good faith.

Israel foreign minister Katz reportedly explained his country’s position.