GAZA CITY, Palestine

Several Palestinians were injured on Friday in intense Israeli airstrikes in the central area of Rafah, southern Gaza Strip after the International Court of Justice ordered Israel to halt its military offensive in the city.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday ordered Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah, a city in the southern Gaza Strip where it sent forces on May 6.

According to an Anadolu correspondent, Israeli warplanes launched heavy strikes on several areas in Rafah, including on farmlands and uninhabited buildings, leading to multiple injuries.

The injured individuals were subsequently transported to Kuwait Hospital in Rafah for treatment.

The severity and intensity of the airstrikes were underscored by the dense black cloud that formed over the city.

Residents of Rafah expressed their fear and concern over the heavy bombardment carried out by the Israeli military.

Israel has killed at least 35,800 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip since a cross-border attack by Hamas that claimed 1,200 lives last October.

The operation has leveled most of the territory and created a humanitarian crisis. Despite concerns over the safety of civilians, Israeli forces invaded on May 6 Rafah, where over a million Palestinians had taken refuge. Since the assault, at least 800,000 people have fled the city.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio