International Law Beneath the Rubble: Academic Complicity in Gaza Genocide

This intervention critically examines the role of international legal scholars in legitimizing violence against Gaza through their interpretations of international humanitarian law. The piece argues that academic discourse around "proportionality," "military necessity," and "self-defense" often provides intellectual cover for mass atrocities while claiming scholarly objectivity.

The article analyzes how mainstream legal scholarship has responded to Israel's assault on Gaza, highlighting how conventional interpretative frameworks normalize extreme violence. It calls for academic accountability and new approaches to international law that prioritize protection of civilian populations over state military prerogatives.

The piece concludes by challenging legal scholars to examine their own complicity in legitimizing violence and to develop alternative frameworks that center Palestinian humanity and right to exist.