On October 28, 2025, the Israeli military conducted strikes in Gaza after accusations that Hamas had attacked Israeli forces and had failed to return the remains of hostages to the Israelis. Hamas denied any involvement in the attacks, but they have been accused of staging fake recoveries of hostages’ bodies by the Red Cross. Professor Mary Ellen O’Connell, member of CERL’s Advisory Council, commented in an article at Detroit Catholic that Israel’s response is an unjustified breach of the ceasefire despite its claims about Hamas. She goes on to say that “Countermeasures aimed at Hamas fighters themselves are lawful and effective if proportionate to the wrong.” 

Mary Ellen O’Connell is the Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law and Research Professor of International Dispute Resolution—Kroc Institute for International Peace Studies, University of Notre Dame. Read her bio here.  

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