[Salon] Proportionality in the Israel-Hamas War

[Chas Freeman <cwfresidence@gmail.com>]

 

 

Proportionality in the Israel-Hamas War

Defining Proportionality

• The rules of just conduct within war include the principles of proportionality and discrimination.
•  Proportionality requires that the anticipated loss of life and damage to civilian property not be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage of an attack.
• According to defense experts, proportionality is subjective and is determined loosely by military leaders.
• Israel and non-state armed groups like Hamas are bound to proportionality rules by the Geneva Conventions.
• The Geneva Conventions are a group of international treaties that regulate armed conflict.
• Israel and Palestine are both “ratified parties of the four Geneva Conventions of 1949,” which specify the need for protection of civilians. 
• Experts indicate that both the Israeli military and Hamas, as the de facto governing body in Gaza, must comply with the Conventions.

Figures: Before and After October 7, 2023

Palestinian and Israeli fatalities and injuries from October 7 - November 29, 2023

(Al-Jazeera).

Palestinian and Israeli fatalities from January 2008 until October 6, 2023 (OCHA).

Palestinian and Israeli injuries from January 2008 until October 6, 2023 (OCHA).

Analysis from Middle East Policy

Middle East Policy examines the escalating settler violence and property seizures in the West Bank as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza.

The American drone campaign has exacerbated anti-US and anti-Israel sentiment in Yemen, an investigation in Middle East Policy shows. 

 

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