The Gaza War: A Tale of Disproportionate Forces and International Law

Strategic Insights -

The Gaza Strip, home to over 2.141 million Palestinians, is a tiny entity, approximately 60 times smaller than Israel, measuring only 359 square kilometers in area. This vast disparity in size coupled with a population density 13.75 times higher than Israel's 434 people per km, underscores the complexities of the Gaza conflict. Meanwhile, Israel, ranked 17th militarily out of 145 countries, boasts a sophisticated military apparatus, comprising an army, navy, and air force. Despite its military might, Israel has struggled to eradicate Hamas over nine months, raising questions about its effectiveness and the potential use of its largest non-nuclear bomb, the GBU-43.B Massive Ordnance Air Blast (MOAB).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Gaza Strip is approximately 60 times smaller than Israel, measuring 359 square kilometers in area.
  • Gaza has a population density 13.75 times higher than Israel's, with over 2.141 million Palestinians living in a tiny entity.
  • Israel has a sophisticated military apparatus, including an army, navy, and air force, but has struggled to eradicate Hamas over nine months.
  • Israel has assassinated numerous leaders of Hamas and other Palestinian groups, violating international law and raising questions about its commitment to sovereignty and human rights.
  • Israel is the only country in the Middle East with nuclear bombs, yet seeks to prevent other surrounding countries from developing similar capabilities.
  • The ICJ has ruled that Israel's settlement policy, annexation, and discriminatory legislation are in breach of international law, underscoring the need for Israel to respect international norms.
  • The killing of innocent people by Israel and its actions towards other nations raise questions about its legitimacy and accountability under international law.

Statistics:

  • Gaza Strip: 359 square kilometers in area.
  • Gaza Strip population: 2,141,000.
  • Gaza population density: 5,967 people per km.
  • Israel: 21,671 square kilometers in area.
  • Israel population: 9,400,000.
  • Israel population density: 434 people per km.
  • Ratio of Israel to Gaza area: 60:1.
  • Ratio of Gaza to Israel population density: 13.75:1.
  • Israeli military ranking: 17th out of 145 countries.

Sources:

  • International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruling on the West Bank separation wall (2004).
  • ICJ ruling on Israel's settlement policy, annexation, and discriminatory legislation (2023).
  • Various sources estimating Gaza population and population density.
  • Israeli military statistics on military ranking and military capabilities.
  • International reports on Israel's nuclear capabilities and nuclear policies.