international law

The article examines five recurring narratives criticizing international law, particularly its regulation of military force, using contexts like the Ukraine war, Gaza war, and Iran. It argues these narratives—such as international law being a facade for power politics or too dogmatic—are often flawed, reflecting tensions between power and universal norms.

The article discusses increased defense spending and strategic competition in the Indo-Pacific, noting that international law may seem secondary to military power. It references the 10th anniversary of the 2016 South China Sea Arbitration Award.

China has increased its territorial claims in the sea east of Taiwan. Beijing argues that Japan-Philippines maritime border negotiations violate international law.

The article explains how international law underpins everyday American life, using a Fourth of July barbecue as an example. It highlights the American Society of International Law's work and discusses the U.S. withdrawal from international organizations.

Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasizes the interconnectedness of migration, climate change, nationality, international law, and governance as manifestations of a broader crisis of solidarity and political responsibility. He urges people to 'see in other a human being, not dehumanize' in addressing global challenges.

The Vatican accused the EU of applying a double standard in its handling of wars, citing inconsistent foreign policy actions. The EU defended its commitment to international law without directly addressing the criticism, while some European Parliament members supported the Vatican's claims.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Kazem Gharibabadi discussed future management of the Strait of Hormuz with Oman’s Abdulaziz Al-Hinai, referencing the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding’s paragraph five. Talks focus on removing technical/military obstacles, demining, and defining maritime services in line with international law and coastal states’ sovereign rights.

The Vatican's doctrinal chief accused the European Union of selectively applying international law and inconsistent foreign policy, criticizing sanctions and aid based on political alliances. The Vatican is rethinking the traditional doctrine of a just war, leading to a conflict with U.S. Vice President JD Vance over its interpretation.

Kuwait's foreign ministry condemned Iran's drone attack on Bahrain, calling it a violation of Bahrain's sovereignty and international law, and a threat to regional security. Iran stated the attack was in retaliation for US strikes on its coastal surveillance facilities.

Bahrain condemned Iranian drone attacks on its territory, accusing Iran of undermining regional peace efforts. The foreign ministry stated the attacks violated international law and endangered civilians, while Iran claimed it targeted US-linked facilities following US strikes on its coastal surveillance sites.

Natasha Hausdorff criticizes Mayor Mamdani for spreading anti-Zionist propaganda and misinformation about international law and Israel.

SJM has written to a U.S. envoy regarding the killing of Indian seafarers, demanding an investigation and compensation. Mahajan claimed the U.S. action violated international law on seas, armed conflict, and human rights.

A UK MP stated Pakistan has the right under international law to defend itself against attacks from Afghanistan, emphasizing the need for dialogue and regional stability. The official discussed security concerns with Pakistani leaders, including recent violence linked to Afghan-based terrorist groups and regional issues like the Strait of Hormuz.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned the opening of a Somaliland embassy in occupied Jerusalem, calling the move illegal under international law. The OIC stated the action violates the UN Charter and relevant resolutions, reaffirming solidarity with Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

London protesters condemned an event promoting Israeli settlement land and property sales, calling it a violation of international law. Demonstrators labeled the land sale 'unacceptable' and illegal.

Norway's deputy foreign minister Andreas Kravik condemns the US-Israeli war on Iran as illegal under international law, emphasizing that states must uphold legal principles even when allies violate them. He argues the conflict lacks UN Security Council authorization, self-defense justification, or Iranian consent, and criticizes Iran's disproportionate response and domestic actions as breaches of international law.

Pakistan's mediation efforts between the US and Iran highlight its role in shaping international law through customary practices. The article emphasizes how mediation, as a legal tool under the UN Charter, helps prevent conflicts and reinforces norms of peaceful dispute resolution.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan supports banning a real estate sales event in London that includes properties in Israel and illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. He condemned the settlements as unjustifiable and illegal under international law and criticized efforts to market such properties in London.

The UN chief condemned an attack on a tanker that killed three Indian seafarers. The Secretary-General emphasized that navigational rights and freedoms must be respected under international law.

A major Amnesty International report accuses Israel of ethnically cleansing Palestinian Bedouin and herding communities in Area C of the occupied West Bank through a state-driven campaign of forcible transfer. The report highlights expanded gun licenses, increased settlement construction, and legalisation of illegal outposts, all violating international law.

Pope Leo XIV delivered a historic speech to Spain’s parliament, advocating for respect for migrants' rights and international law, which received a 7-minute standing ovation. The address marked the first papal speech to Spanish lawmakers and reflected growing acceptance of the Catholic Church in a secularized Spain.

Pope Leo XIV received a seven-minute standing ovation from Spanish lawmakers after addressing parliament on the need for 'moral renewal' to respect migrants, the unborn, and vulnerable people. His speech marked a historic moment of Catholic Church acceptance in Spain, a secular country with declining religious observance, and coincided with regional tensions between Israel and Iran.

Pope Leo XIV delivered a historic speech to Spain's parliament, calling for respect for migrants' rights and international law, which received a 7-minute standing ovation. The address marked a significant shift in the Catholic Church's political acceptance in secular Spain, contrasting with its past role under Franco's dictatorship.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his first speech to the Spanish parliament, urging respect for migrants' rights, international law, and moral renewal in public life. He also called for peace in the Israel-Iran conflict and criticized rearmament and AI weapons.

Pope Leo XIV addressed the Spanish parliament, urging respect for migrant rights and international law. The speech marked a new level of Catholic Church acceptance in Spain's public sphere.

Israel has reportedly used white phosphorus near Lebanese cities and towns. White phosphorus is not banned under international law but can cause 'cruel injuries' and indiscriminate harm in civilian areas.

Israel has reportedly used white phosphorus near Lebanese cities and towns. White phosphorus is not banned under international law but can cause cruel injuries and indiscriminate harm in civilian areas.

Iran's foreign ministry condemns US attacks on Qeshm Island and Goruk as 'adventurist actions' that violate a fragile ceasefire agreement and endanger regional security. The statement holds the US solely responsible for the consequences and urges regional countries to adhere to international law principles.

The article examines why strikes continue in Gaza, Iran, and Lebanon despite existing ceasefires, questioning enforcement of international law. Three experts discuss the challenges of enforcing ceasefire agreements when violations persist.

Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that the government must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit Palestinian prisoners, rejecting a ban on such visits. The decision affirms Red Cross access under international law.

The European Union has overhauled its migration policy to increase deportations and establish detention centers abroad, a move criticized by rights groups for its similarity to the Trump administration's immigration policies. The policy is framed by the EU as compatible with international law.

Spain defends its rejection of Trump policies, emphasizing adherence to international law. Foreign minister José Manuel Albares argues that this stance should not isolate EU allies.

Cuba's foreign minister, Bruno Rodriguez Parrilla, accused U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio of lying and deceiving the public to justify economic and military pressure against Cuba. The Trump administration's intensified sanctions and a grand jury indictment of former Cuban President Raul Castro were condemned as violations of international law and politically motivated.

Nine Western nations including the UK, Germany, and France have issued a joint warning to Israel, characterizing settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank as a breach of international law. The statement represents coordinated diplomatic pressure from major Western powers on Israel's settlement policy and associated violence.

Modern state sovereignty is eroding due to constraints from international law and dependence on private technology corporations for critical digital infrastructure. States must now seek permission from private companies to use defensive capabilities, fundamentally challenging traditional concepts of state power. This crisis is exemplified by Russia's invasion of Ukraine, where digital infrastructure control became strategically significant.

MPs warn the closure of the Foreign Office’s international humanitarian law unit will weaken oversight of international law violations and arms exports. The decision, revealed by the Guardian, was defended by Keir Starmer as part of a restructuring.

Israel intercepted a Gaza aid flotilla, which world leaders condemned as a violation of international law. The incident has been labeled an 'act of piracy' by global observers.

Lebanon's Prime Minister accused Israel of committing war crimes after an attack killed three rescue workers. President Joseph Aoun stated that Israel is violating international laws protecting civilians and humanitarian workers.

The International Chamber of Shipping director stated that the capture of ships by the US and Iran violates international law and urged both nations to immediately release the crews of the captured vessels.

The article explores whether bombing power plants and oil facilities constitutes a war crime, highlighting the complexity of the issue under international law. It suggests that the legality depends on factors like proportionality, military necessity, and adherence to humanitarian principles.