Hamas’ brutal attacks in Israel on October 7 killed at least 1,400 people and the group took more than 200 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. In the wake of the assault, Israel launched an aerial bombardment of Gaza that Palestinian health officials say has killed more than 5,000 people. Israel also announced a “complete siege” on the enclave, withholding vital supplies of water, food and fuel.

  • HappycamperNZ@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    As with any nation - yes, your citizens are less important than mine.

    I won’t comment on the checkpoint as I am not informed on the full story. I have however formally studied war crime in the general sense (not this specific example though).

    Blockades are legitimate and commonly used in warfare - denying supplies are practical and it can be reasonably assumed they will find their way into the hands of the enemy. Saying that, it must be proportional and cause as little disruption to the civilian population as possible.

    • hamas has shown it will cross borders to kill and abduct civilians, and kill them at a later date (undisputed war crime there).

    • Hamas has shown they will claim aid destined for civilians

    • hamas has shown they will withhold supplies from it citizens

    Therefore, it can be reasonably assumed that any supplies crossing the border will be used in direct action against Israel. If the aid was finding its way to civilians, was being utilized for humanitarian reasons and distinctly separately from armed forces supplies it could be argued that the blockade is now illegal. This would also apply if Hamas was no longer a threat.

    Israel responsibility lies with its citizens first. Does it suck for civilians stuck in the middle - absolutely.