Verfassungsblog (Oct 2023)

Hamas’ Atrocities, Israel’s Response, and the Primacy of International Law to Protect Civilians

  • Muriel Asseburg,
  • Lisa Wiese

DOI
https://doi.org/10.59704/597372b78adb07fc
Journal volume & issue
no. 2366-7044

Abstract

Read online

In light of the atrocities committed by Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters in Israel on October 7, 2023 and the days thereafter, and against the backdrop of Germany’s historical responsibility, the German government and German politicians have unanimously expressed solidarity with Israel and emphasized its right to self-defense. Following the October 17, 2023 call by Kai Ambos for a differentiated debate, we explain which international humanitarian law precautions are relevant and what German policy can contribute to contain the escalation of violence as well as the suffering of the civilian population in the immediate conflict and in the future.

Keywords