The killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas and retaliatory airstrikes on the densely populated Gaza Strip by Israel raises numerous issues under international law.
Indeed, President Joe Biden made express reference to the “laws of war” in comments he made at the White house on Oct. 10, 2023, noting that while democracies like the U.S. and Israel uphold such standards, “terrorists” such as Hamas “purposefully target civilians.” Speaking the same day, the European Union’s top diplomat Josep Borrell condemned Hamas’ attack but also suggested that Israel was not acting in accordance with international law by cutting water, electricity and food to civilians in Gaza.
But international law and the very nature of the conflict itself – along with the status of the two sides involved – is a complex area. The Conversation turned to Robert Goldman, an expert on the laws of war at American University Washington College of Law, for guidance on some of the issues.
What are the ‘laws of war’?
What is the nature of the conflict between Israel and Hamas?
Is the bombing of Gaza illegal under international law?
Is Israel’s siege of Gaza illegal?
What are the status and obligations of Hamas under IHL?
R&I~Smit
FoundingFrog
Article URL : https://news.yahoo.com/laws-war-apply-conflict-between-141903939.html