Are the sick hiding the enemies? Why Israel’s hospital bombings are violating the Rule
of Law
S2839032
Security and the Rule of Law
Final Assignment
28/03/2024
Word count: 1454
, Executive summary
This analysis looks at the recent news events of Israel bombing various hospitals in Gaza
following the attack by Hamas on an Israeli festival. Israel has argued that it is acting in
self-defence and that Hamas is using the hospitals as military shelters and assets. Hamas
denies this claim and the Palestinian population, many of whom have sought shelter in said
hospitals, accuses Israel of punishing them. In this analysis, the author applies the principles
of the Rule of Law to the security dilemma provided here and argues that, considering the
protection of hospitals under international humanitarian law, Israel is failing to provide the
necessary evidence for the attacks and protection of innocents against the attacks.
Additionally, Israel’s use of force is deemed disproportionate and its reasoning is deemed an
attempt at plausible legality. It concludes by stating that, by bombing the hospitals in Gaza,
Israel is not adhering to the functions of the Rule of Law.
1
of Law
S2839032
Security and the Rule of Law
Final Assignment
28/03/2024
Word count: 1454
, Executive summary
This analysis looks at the recent news events of Israel bombing various hospitals in Gaza
following the attack by Hamas on an Israeli festival. Israel has argued that it is acting in
self-defence and that Hamas is using the hospitals as military shelters and assets. Hamas
denies this claim and the Palestinian population, many of whom have sought shelter in said
hospitals, accuses Israel of punishing them. In this analysis, the author applies the principles
of the Rule of Law to the security dilemma provided here and argues that, considering the
protection of hospitals under international humanitarian law, Israel is failing to provide the
necessary evidence for the attacks and protection of innocents against the attacks.
Additionally, Israel’s use of force is deemed disproportionate and its reasoning is deemed an
attempt at plausible legality. It concludes by stating that, by bombing the hospitals in Gaza,
Israel is not adhering to the functions of the Rule of Law.
1
