The conflict falls under a complex international system of justice that has emerged since World War Two, much of it aimed at protecting civilians. Even if states say they are acting in self-defence, international rules regarding armed conflict apply to all participants in a war. Internationally accepted rules of armed conflict emerged from the 1949 Geneva Conventions, which have been ratified by all United Nations member states and supplemented by rulings at international war crimes tribunals. Treaties govern the treatment of civilians, soldiers and prisoners of war in a system collectively known as the "Law of Armed Conflict" or "International Humanitarian Law". Under the laws of armed conflict, combatants include members of state armed forces, military and volunteer forces and non-state armed groups.

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Persons: Gaza's, Al, Carolyn Edgerton, Edgerton, Israel, Karim Khan, Khan, Crispian Balmer, Emma Farge, Janet Lawrence Organizations: HAGUE, Palestinian, Hamas, United Nations, CAN, World Health Organization, Geneva Convention, GENEVA, Criminal, Criminal Court, ICC, Thomson Locations: Israel, Geneva, Gaza, Al Shifa, Gaza City, Ukraine, Afghanistan, Yemen, Syria, Canadian, Yugoslavia, The Hague, Palestinian Territories, Rome, Jerusalem