China asks Israel to 'effectively' implement ICJ order, halt military operations

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Expressing “deep concern" over Sunday’s airstrike on a refugee camp in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, China on Tuesday asked Israel to "effectively" implement the International Court of Justice (ICJ) order and halt its military operations.

The ICJ's “third interim measure order on the Palestine-Israel conflict explicitly calls for a halt to all military operations,” the daily Global Times quoted Mao Ning, spokeswoman of China's Foreign Ministry, as saying.

Stressing that the ICJ order reflects the international community's urgent desire for a cease-fire, protection of civilians, and alleviation of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the spokeswoman said: "The interim order should be implemented effectively as soon as possible."

At least 45 people were killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 250 others injured in the Israeli strike on the camp on Sunday.

The latest attack came despite a ruling by the ICJ that ordered Israel to halt its offensive in Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had sought refuge from the Israel-Hamas war before it was invaded on May 6.