Why all civilian lives matter equally, according to a military ethicist

(The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.)

Jessica Wolfendale, Case Western Reserve University

(THE CONVERSATION) Some commentators have criticized Israel for causing what is claimed to be disproportionate harm to civilians in its military response to Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack.

Others have defended Israel’s actions, claiming that such force – and the risk to civilians involved – is necessary to eliminate Hamas, which some Israelis believe poses an existential threat to Israel.

As of Nov. 25, according to health officials in the Gaza Strip, more than 14,000 Palestinians have been killed, the majority of whom are women...