The Enforcement of International Humanitarian Law: The Case of The War in Gaza, Palestine

Abstract

The armed conflict between Israel and Palestine, which has flared up again since Hamas retaliated to Israel regime on 7 October 2023, has drawn international attention, particularly in the context of violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL). This study aims to identify applicable IHL principles and evaluate violations committed in the context of the war in Gaza. In this conflict, Israel has been accused of violating fundamental principles of IHL, such as the protection of civilians and access to humanitarian aid. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, this study examines various sources of IHL, including international treaties, international customs, general legal principles, international court rulings, and legal doctrines. The findings indicate that the military aggression carried out by Israel in Gaza has violated the provisions of IHL and caused a widespread humanitarian crisis. Therefore, firm enforcement of international law is required to ensure the protection of war victims and to prevent the recurrence of similar violations in the future.