Civilian Harm
188 Articles

Not Reassuring: NSM-20 and the Limits of Law-of-War Assurances in the Transfer of U.S. Arms
Analysis of how Biden's National Security Memorandum (NSM-20) may operate in regulating the transfer of U.S. arms amid concerns of international humanitarian law violations.

How Israel Took the Terrorists’ Bait
To thwart Hamas’s strategy, Israel must commit to protect civilians. And Biden must defend human rights and international law with action.

Why the ICJ Ruling Misses the Mark: Mitigating Civilian Harm With An Enemy Engaged in Human Shielding
Former CENTCOM Commander General (ret.) Joseph Votel and Professor Claire Finkelstein critically analyze South Africa's positions before the International Court of Justice in…

The Just Security Podcast: ICJ Provisional Measures in South Africa v. Israel
Three experts join the show to unpack the ICJ provisional measures in South Africa's genocide case against Israel.

Congress Must Strengthen Oversight on Intelligence Sharing and Civilian Harm
Congress must do more to track how intelligence sharing with allies and partners contributes to civilian harm.

Revisiting International Law in the Gaza Context
When it comes to the laws of war, a substantial number of commentators can play the notes but not the music. This essay examines the Hamas-Israel War in light of this ever-evolving…

The “War Reserve Stockpile Allies – Israel” Explained & Why Congress Should Not Expand It
Congress should not remove restrictions on transfers to and from the Defense Department's War Reserves Stockpile in Israel.

Nine Stories That Deserved More Attention in 2023 – and That May Shape 2024
What stories or topics merited more attention in 2023, with a particular eye toward what might inform law and policy conversations in 2024?

U.S. Policymakers’ Lessons from Yemen for Gaza
Former Obama officials write: If the White House is serious about protecting Gaza’s civilians, they need to do more than urge that Israel adhere to the law. They must make clear…

Keeping Sight of Our Moral Compass as the Israel-Hamas War Rages
Too many on either side speak to themselves as if the other side didn’t exist or isn’t relevant.

Senator Sanders’ New Resolution Could Force U.S. to Confront Any Complicity in Civilian Harm in Gaza
The Sanders resolution offers a pathway to consider the role U.S. weapons are playing in devastating harm to civilians in Gaza and debate the wisdom and consequences of continuing…

Unhuman Killings: AI and Civilian Harm in Gaza
Israel’s expanded use of AI in the war in Gaza may partially explain widespread civilian harm.