Navigating the Law of Armed Conflict in the Israel-Hamas War

This article provides expert guidance on the law of armed conflict (LOAC) and international humanitarian law as it applies to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. It discusses the equal application principle, sources of LOAC, the distinction between international and non-international armed conflict, violations of LOAC and war crimes, the definition of civilians and combatants, the prohibition of taking hostages, torture, rape, and directly targeting civilians, the rule of proportionality, targeting civilian infrastructure, precautions to minimize civilian harm, the use of human shields, collective punishment, siege warfare, access to humanitarian relief, and the forcible displacement of civilians. The article aims to assist policymakers, diplomats, analysts, reporters, scholars, and the public in understanding the legal framework surrounding the conflict.