Information lunch: Legal dimensions of the Israel-Hamas war – March 28 and 24
Perfidy: intelligence and military applications of deception and ruses
Techniques involving perfidy are prohibited by international humanitarian law in combat. Undercover operations in intelligence and law enforcement agencies, however, are commonplace. This may involve the use of disguises and tricks that would not be permitted in armed combat. The war in Gaza and its fallout in the West Bank have made the context in which intelligence and/or military operations take place more complex. For example, earlier this year, Israeli special security forces attacked a hospital in the West Bank, killing three Palestinians linked to militant groups, including Hamas. Footage from the hospital indicates that undercover Israeli security forces disguised themselves as civilians and medical personnel, raising questions under international law about the legality of the operation. Was this operation subject to the perfidy restrictions applicable to the conduct of hostilities? If so, how would the mission of the operation influence the assessment of the situation? And what about the many Hamas members currently detained by Israel? Could they be held responsible for not wearing distinctive uniforms during the hostilities in Gaza? Speakers include Professor Geoffrey S. Corn and Dr. Ido Rosenzweig. Moderated by Professor Claire Finkelstein
Techniques involving perfidy are prohibited by international humanitarian law in combat. Undercover operations in intelligence and law enforcement agencies, however, are commonplace. This may involve the use of disguises and tricks that would not be permitted in armed combat. The war in Gaza and its fallout in the West Bank have made the context in which intelligence and/or military operations take place more complex. For example, earlier this year, Israeli special security forces attacked a hospital in the West Bank, killing three Palestinians linked to militant groups, including Hamas. Footage from the hospital indicates that undercover Israeli security forces disguised themselves as civilians and medical personnel, raising questions under international law about the legality of the operation. Was this operation subject to the perfidy restrictions applicable to the conduct of hostilities? If so, how would the mission of the operation influence the assessment of the situation? And what about the many Hamas members currently detained by Israel? Could they be held responsible for not wearing distinctive uniforms during the hostilities in Gaza? Speakers include Professor Geoffrey S. Corn and Dr. Ido Rosenzweig. Moderated by Professor Claire Finkelstein
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