The Israeli-Hamas War: The Legality of Israel’s Invasion of Gaza Under International Law

Abstract

The ongoing Israeli-Hamas war continues to cause untold human suffering, dominate media coverage, and attract the attention of international organizations. This article seeks to clarify normative controversy related to the legality of Israel’s invasion of the Gaza Strip by using international legal norms regarding self-defense, terrorism, and sovereignty. Using international legal theory and the expansion of customary law, as well as the politics between Palestinian factions, the article finds that Israel’s invasion is legal under current international law.