FAQ's International Law and Operation “Guardian of the Walls”
FAQs about Israel's Operations against Hamas in Gaza
Between the 10th and 21st May 2021, terrorists in Gaza launched a devastating wave of terror, firing over 4,000 rockets at civilians in Israel. 13 people were killed, hundreds injured and at least 6 million Israelis, two-thirds of the population, were within firing range of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) rockets, forced to run to bomb shelter.
Despite Hamas’ and PIJ’s flagrant violation of international law and Israel’s inalienable right to self-defense, Israel faced harsh criticism in the public sphere. Importantly, in the diplomatic realm, Israel also enjoyed widespread support from the international community, including the United States, Canada, many European nations, Australia and other allies.
This brief document is intended to respond to several of the most common criticisms and questions of international law, as they relate to Israel’s actions during Operation “Guardian of the Walls”.