Gaza War Tests the Boundaries of International Humanitarian Law

The laws of war, notably the Geneva Conventions, are meant to protect civilians and limit the destructiveness of armed conflict. They prohibit the targeting of civilians, ensure the safety of medical and humanitarian workers, and regulate the treatment of prisoners. Yet, the ongoing war in Gaza is bringing these laws into sharp question, with serious implications for their credibility.

The crisis escalated following Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of over 250 people. Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has sparked global concern about the proportionality of its response and its adherence to humanitarian norms.

Since the outbreak of hostilities, Gaza has endured relentless airstrikes and a devastating ground offensive. Civilian neighborhoods, hospitals, and educational institutions have been repeatedly struck, displacing over a million residents and leaving thousands dead. Humanitarian agencies are warning of a deepening catastrophe with little respite for those trapped inside.

A major obstacle to transparency in this war is the lack of journalistic access. Israel has barred most foreign reporters from entering Gaza, making it one of the least covered yet most devastating conflicts in recent memory. More than 180 journalists, mostly Palestinians, have died, and many global media outlets are relying on limited, second-hand reporting.

International legal experts maintain that even amid warfare, all parties must comply with the rules of war. Violations by one side, such as Hamas’s October 7 attack, do not permit violations by the other. Targeting civilian infrastructure or withholding aid, if proven, would constitute serious breaches of international law regardless of Israel’s stated objectives.

Critics argue that Israel’s prolonged military campaign may be serving political interests as well. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces significant internal pressure and potential legal consequences over past controversies. Observers suggest that the war is being used to shift public attention and consolidate his grip on power.

Legal scrutiny has intensified. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Hamas leaders and Netanyahu, citing alleged war crimes. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is examining genocide allegations brought by South Africa against Israel, charges that Israel strongly contests but which underline the gravity of the accusations.

Casualty figures in Gaza are deeply disputed. The Gaza Health Ministry, governed by Hamas, claims more than 54,600 people have been killed and 125,000 wounded. Israel questions these numbers, but independent entities like the UN and global NGOs have verified many of the reports, lending them credibility.

Children have been especially hard hit by the violence. Reports indicate over 14,500 child deaths, with many more suffering serious injuries, trauma, or loss of family. Medical services have collapsed under the weight of the crisis, and humanitarian groups are sounding alarms about a generation growing up in extreme distress.

Despite international calls for increased aid, the flow of humanitarian supplies into Gaza remains minimal. Israel controls nearly all entry points and has severely restricted food, water, medicine, and fuel. While Israel insists it targets Hamas and not civilians, aid groups warn the policy amounts to collective punishment.

Red Cross President Mirjana Spoljaric described Gaza as “beyond hell” after a rare visit. She cautioned that the global system of humanitarian law is at risk of collapse if violations continue unchallenged. If major powers ignore these laws, it may embolden others to do the same, weakening protections in conflicts elsewhere.

Spoljaric emphasized that humanitarian law must apply equally to all sides. If laws are enforced selectively, they lose moral authority. Neutrality, she said, does not mean silence in the face of mass suffering. The Red Cross is committed to speaking out whenever civilians are in harm’s way.

Neutral agencies stress that their mission extends beyond aid delivery. They advocate for the consistent application of the rules of war, which serve as the last line of defense for innocent people. As war becomes more brutal and chaotic, the need for such advocacy grows more urgent.

Israel maintains that its actions are focused on eliminating Hamas and preventing future attacks. Yet international pressure is mounting, with critics warning that the humanitarian cost is becoming unacceptable. Many now question whether Israel’s military goals can be pursued without inflicting further devastation on the civilian population.

The war’s effect on Israel’s international relationships is also shifting. While many allies still defend its right to respond to terrorism, the scale of the Gaza tragedy is prompting calls for restraint and accountability. Several nations have publicly urged Israel to respect humanitarian principles and allow greater aid access.

The Gaza conflict is more than a regional crisis—it’s a pivotal moment for international humanitarian law. If global institutions fail to uphold these standards here, it could erode the very rules that protect civilians in all wars, leaving the world more dangerous and lawless.