Smoke rising over the northern Gaza Strip following an Israeli strike. All parties must uphold the laws of war and humanitarian assistance must be provided at all times to civilians. Photograph: Jack Guez/AFP via Getty Images Since the surprise, brutal October 7th attack on Israel by militant group Hamas, the refrain “we are at war” has been heard repeatedly from Israeli commentators – the implication being that a declaration of war allows Israel unrestrained right to retaliate in whatever manner it deems appropriate, irrespective of the consequences. In fact, the outbreak of armed conflict or the occupation of territory triggers...