The Gaza Conflict

Applications of Just War Theory

Prelude: Was War a Proportional Response to Gaza Rockets?

Human shields

• Palestinian use of crowds when Israel threatens to destroy houses

• Israeli insistence on Palestinian civilian presence in occupied areas

Weaponry

• Israeli use of white phosphorous and large (155 mm) shells in urban areas– Why did Israel deny use during conflict but admit

it afterward?

• Palestinian rockets: Killed 1 Israeli soldier and 3 civilians during the conflict. Are they acceptable? How good does aim have to be?

Casualties: Controversial• Israelis (government figures): – 10 military dead (one of whom was hit inside Israel by a

Palestinian rocket), 336 wounded. Bizarre ratio!– 3 civilians dead, 182 wounded.

• Best estimate of Palestinian deaths: PCHR study– Posted a list of the names of the dead detailing their

names, ages, jobs, place of residence, and time and place of the attacks that killed them

– Total = 1417• 926 classed as civilians but depends on definition (includes police)• Includes 313 children and 116 women

– Palestine Authority says it lost 255 police and 236 fighters– Best guess (mine) = 40%-70% civilians, depending on

definitions