Navigating Proportionality and Ceasefire: Insights from Israeli Peace Negotiator

A recent essay argued that Israel's military campaign in Gaza is causing disproportionate harm to civilians and called for a ceasefire or a change in Israel's aims and methods. In response, an article published on Just Security claimed that the total harm inflicted on civilians can never render a military campaign disproportionate. However, the author of the original essay refutes this claim, citing State practice and international law. They argue that several dozen states have condemned Israel's use of force as disproportionate due to the harm inflicted on civilians. The author criticizes the reliance on a passage from the US Department of Defense Law of War Manual as weak evidence and highlights the importance of considering civilian harm in proportionality assessments. They conclude that states should apply the law to protect civilians and prevent further suffering.