Does Israel Commit War Crimes?

Resource: Video

Series: Explainers

Topic: Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

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Israel is often accused of war crimes against Palestinians, and accusations of targeting civilians, using disproportionate force, and blocking civilian access to humanitarian aid have intensified during this latest war in Gaza. But are Israel’s current actions towards Palestinians in Gaza actually war crimes according to the legal definition? And if they’re not war crimes, does that mean they are justified?

Big Ideas

War crimes are specific acts with legal, internationally recognized definitions.
All wars, including necessary wars, have unpleasant and tragic consequences.
Public opinion can be easily manipulated

Essential Questions

Why is it important to legally define war crimes?
What are the consequences of war?
What factors inform public opinion?