
Hostilities and Violence in the oPt
The Diakonia IHL Centre Jerusalem provides in-depth legal analysis of the hostilities in Israel and Gaza as well as violence across the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). Publications on this topic are listed below.
A repository of materials on legal proceedings relating to Israel and the oPt is available on this page.

A Legal Appraisal of Israel’s Purported Aid Delivery Scheme in Gaza
This publication highlights that the severe limitations and coercive conditions imposed by Israel since May 2025 on the delivery of aid in the Gaza Strip violate several of its obligations under IHL.

Statement: Grave Concern Over Conditions of Life Threatening Palestinians’ Survival
Amidst unprecedented threats to the continued existence of the Palestinian people, the IHL Centre calls for urgent protective measures to ensure their survival.

Legal Analysis of the Destruction of Healthcare in North Gaza
This publication examines attacks and military operations on and around the premises of the Indonesian Hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital, and Al-Awda Hospital in North Gaza governorate when it was placed under siege by Israeli forces, from October 2024 until the entry into force of the ceasefire in January 2025.

Unlawful Incarceration: Legal Analysis of Israel’s Military Detention Regime
This publication analyses the regime relied on by Israel to detain Palestinians from Gaza: the Incarceration of Unlawful Combatants Law, 5762-2002; its amendments of 18 December 2023 and 28 July 2024; and official policy vis-à-vis detainees adopted since 7 October 2023.

Responsibility Under International Law for Settler Violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory
This publication examines Israel’s responsibility under international law for failure by Israeli officials and authorities to protect against and suppress settler violence, and acts of violence by settlers and other actions by Israeli officials in support of settler violence. It also considers potential individual liability under international criminal law for persons implicated in incidents of settler violence.

Legal Updates
As the hostilities between Israel and armed groups in Gaza persist and the levels of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remain high, this webpage provides regular updates regarding legal aspects of the evolving situation.

Legal Analysis of the Initial Stages of the 2023 Hostilities in Israel and Gaza
This publication examines the actions of the parties to the hostilities that broke out in Israel and Gaza on 7 October 2023 with an attack mounted by Hamas forces and a counteroffensive launched by Israel in the period lasting until 8 November 2023.

Notes on the Applicable Legal Framework
These notes highlight the IHL principles on the conduct of hostilities as well as the rules on attacks, detention, treatment of the dead, collective punishment, and reprisals.

Account of Events
This account of events is based on available and verified facts at the time of writing. The page reflects developments in the time period from 7 October 2023 until 7 January 2024.

Contentious Case Before the ICJ: South Africa v. Israel
On 29 December 2023, South Africa instituted proceedings against Israel before the ICJ concerning alleged violations by Israel of its obligations pursuant to the Genocide Convention in the Gaza Strip. On 26 January and 28 March 2024, the Court rendered orders for the indication of provisional measures. These publications examine key legal aspects of the proceedings.
Photo Credits:
Cover Photo: Mohammed Zaanoun/ActiveStills Photo Collective (Al-Batn Al-Thameen area of Khan Yunis, southern Gaza, 7 December 2023). All rights reserved.
A legal appraisal of Israel’s purported aid delivery scheme in Gaza: Aid distribution, Rafah, Gaza Strip, 29 May 2025. DoaA Albaz/ActiveStills Photo Collective. All Rights Reserved.
Conditions of Life threateining survival: Feda Hassanat (Khan Younis, Gaza, March 2025). ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Destruction of Healthcare in North Gaza: An interior view of the heavy destruction left by the Israeli army at Kamal Adwan Hospital after the Israeli army withdrew following the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, in Beit Lahia, Gaza on January 30, 2025. Khalil Ramzi Alkahlut/Anadolu Agency. All Rights Reserved.
Unlawful Incarceration: A group of Palestinians who had been detained by Israeli soldiers in the Shucaiyye District in eastern Gaza have been released. Following their release, these Palestinians, marked with scars and numbers on their hands, received medical treatment. AShraf Amra/Anadolu Agency, Deir Al-Balah, Gaza, 10 December 2023. All rights reserved.
Responsibility under International Law for Settler Violence: Wahaj Bani Moufleh/ActiveStills Photo Collective (Destruction following a settler attack that killed four Palestinians, Qusra, West Bank, 11 October 2023). All Rights Reserved.
Legal Updates: Mohammed Zaanoun/ActiveStills Photo Collective (Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, 12 November 2023). All Rights Reserved.
Legal Brief: Mohammed Zaanoun/ActiveStills Photo Collective, Gaza (Gaza City, 11 October 2023). All Rights Reserved.
Notes on the Applicable Legal Framework: View of the Ruins of a Building Destroyed by an Airstrike Carried Out by Israel. Mohammed Zaanoun/ActiveStills Photo Collective, Gaza (Jabaliya, 11 October 2023). All Rights Reserved.
Account of Events: Mohammed Zaanoun/ActiveStills Photo Collective, Gaza (Al-Rimal, Gaza City, 8 October 2023). All Rights Reserved.
contentious case before the icj (south africa v. israel): VIEW OF THE ICJ COURTROOM, THURSDAY 11 JANUARY 2024. UN PHOTO/ICJ-CIJ, FRANK VAN BEEK - COURTESY OF THE ICJ. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.