Archive · 9 Jun 2025
Legal Experts Debate Justification of Israel's Gaza Actions
After the October 7th attack by Hamas, Israel began a military operation in Gaza, initially considered self-defense.
Under international law, countries can defend themselves, but actions must be necessary and proportionate.
As the conflict continued, some experts are questioning if Israel's actions are still justified.
They cite the high number of Palestinian civilian casualties and argue that the response may be excessive.
The law allows a war to continue until an aggressor surrenders, but does not legitimize the complete destruction of the territory where an aggressor is fighting.
Some legal experts suggest Israel's actions may be considered an act of aggression, given the scale of the conflict.
Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages.
Israel responded with a military campaign, resulting in over 54,000 Palestinian deaths.
Israel asserts its actions are self-defense under Article 51 of the UN Charter.
Legal questions have arisen 20 months later on whether Israel's actions remain proportional to the initial attack.
Ongoing military actions and civilian casualties raise questions about the justification of Israel’s response.
- Who
- Israel and Hamas
- What
- The legal basis for Israel's military actions in Gaza is being questioned.
- When
- Since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack and in the 20 months following.
- Where
- Gaza
- Why
- To determine if Israel's actions remain justified under international law.
Israel
Critics
Justification of Military Action
Israel
Israel asserts its actions are self-defense in response to the October 7th attack.
Critics
Critics argue the ongoing military operations, given the high number of civilian casualties and destruction, suggest a disproportionate response and potentially an act of aggression.
Proportionality
Israel
Israel’s initial response met proportionality tests.
Critics
Ongoing actions may not be proportionate due to high civilian casualties and extensive damage.
- Date of Hamas Attack
- October 7, 2023
- People killed by Hamas
- 1,200
- Hostages taken by Hamas
- 250
- Palestinians killed
- 54,000+
- Basis of Right to Self-Defense
- Article 51 of the UN Charter
