Israel faces an urgent choice as it prepares to launch a ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah. Should it proceed with a military campaign that could put a large number of civilians in harm’s way or hold off at the risk of endangering its military objectives and efforts to bring the hostages home? In an opinion for Haaretz, CERL Faculty Director Claire Finkelstein explains Israel’s rights and constraints under international law, drawing particular attention to the question of civilian harm in contexts where there is human shielding.

Claire Finkelstein is the Algernon Biddle Professor of Law and Professor of Philosophy and Faculty Director of the Center for Ethics and the Rule of Law. Read her bio here.

The views expressed here are the author’s own and do not necessarily represent those of any organization or university.