The UN has ordered Israel to stop its military operation in Rafah immediately, adding to the global pressure on Israel regarding its conflict with Hamas. This decision followed a petition from South Africa to the court, seeking to prevent Israel from entering Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip. Israel has argued that a cessation of hostilities would allow Hamas, which is already gaining strength, to regroup. South Africa has framed Israel's military as part of a genocidal plan.