Is the detention by an occupying power of fighters in a NIAC governed by GC IV? – EJIL: Talk!
Since the outbreak of the hostilities on 7 October 2023, Israel has detained thousands of Palestinians from Gaza. 1,627 are being held by the Israel Prison Service (IPS) as of 6 November 2024, according to information obtained by HaMoked, while thousands more are estimated to be detained by the Israeli military.
A worrying escalation – EJIL: Talk!
On Wednesday, November 20, 2024, the United States announced its decision to supply anti-personnel landmines to Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked the US for its decision and called these landmines essential for stopping Russian assaults, clearly indicating the intention to use these anti-personnel mines during the conflict. However, while the announcement was met with approval from Ukrainian […]
An overview – EJIL: Talk!
In September 2024, the United Nations published the United Nations Military Manual (hereinafter the Manual), as «a reference to guide United Nations military unit commanders, staff and troops in predeployment preparation, planning and the efficient conduct of operations for the effective execution of Security Council mandates» (foreword). Military manuals are the most common and formal […]
Legal issues arising from Israel’s conduct in North Gaza – EJIL: Talk!
Since the beginning of October 2024, the Israeli military has imposed a siege on significant parts of the North Gaza governorate amidst continued attacks and catastrophic humanitarian conditions. More than 100,000 Palestinians have been displaced as a result, while those unwilling or unable to leave have been deprived of water, food, and other indispensable means […]
When is it actually war? – EJIL: Talk!
In the last few months, suspicious fires in warehouses and aboard aircraft, the severing of undersea power and Internet cables, GPS jamming, cyber operations against critical civilian infrastructure, and allegations of influence operations and election interference have been depicted as ‘hybrid warfare’ by both politicians and the media. So-called ‘hybrid threats’ or ‘hybrid attacks’, as […]
The Impact of a Ceasefire on the Applicability of International Humanitarian Law – EJIL: Talk!
On January 19, 2025, a long-awaited ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel has taken effect. From what is known of the agreement, hostilities in Gaza are to cease for 42 days. During this period, 33 Israeli hostages are scheduled to be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees, and Israeli forces will withdraw to […]
The Results Are In! Enhancing the HOT Tasking Manager Based on Your Feedback
A tool is nothing without its users. Over the years, the HOT Tasking Manager has evolved and improved thanks to the input of all the contributors around the world, who have shared with us what they love and the improvements they would like to see. In this blog, Ramya Ragupathy, the TM product owner, shares […]
Making Sense of Hybrid Threats and Grey Zone Conflict – EJIL: Talk!
About a decade ago, hybrid warfare made its big breakthrough. The concept had been around for a number of years, but few people knew what it meant and even fewer seemed to care. In 2014, Russia launched the opening act of its ongoing war of aggression against Ukraine, taking control of the Crimean Peninsula. It […]
Routes for Development: Mapping Roads for Connectivity and Development in Guatemala
Discover how the mapathon led by HOT and UNDP is transforming road infrastructure in Guatemala. Routes for Development now has precise data on rural roads, enhancing connectivity and territorial development. Learn about the impact of citizen science on public planning. Versión en español In an unprecedented effort to improve road infrastructure planning in Guatemala, the […]
Reparations for Civilians Harmed in Armed Conflict – EJIL: Talk!
Civilian harm in armed conflict has reached staggering levels. The United Nations recently recorded a 72% increase in civilian casualties worldwide, a stark reminder of the devastating human toll of modern warfare. Yet, mechanisms to provide justice and redress for those harmed remain inadequate. Recent developments, including the International Law Commission’s (ILC) renewed focus on […]