Q&A: Use of force in law enforcement

How does international law regulate the use of force in law enforcement? This Q&A clarifies the international legal framework governing the use of force by Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) in law enforcement operations, specifically in the context of demonstrations.

The Q&A examines legal arguments that Israel has advanced to justify patterns of excessive use of force in its law enforcement operations in the oPt. This analysis responds to concerns that Israeli policies and practices regarding the use of force systematically violate applicable rules of international law – concerns which have been exacerbated by recent reports indicating that the Israeli army has expanded its “rules of engagement” to authorize Israeli forces to fire live ammunition at Palestinians who throw stones even when they are fleeing.