When it comes to discussion about the conflict in Gaza, there is an endless parade of commentators on both sides telling us what is right or wrong, legitimate or illegal, a crime or a justified attack, but in all that debate and discussion the actual international laws of war often get pushed to the sidelines. 

We’re planning to do a series of episodes on this conflict in the coming     weeks, but we wanted to start by getting a baseline understand on the laws of war with an international expert.

Oona Hathaway is a professor of international law and a member of the Advisory Committee on International Law at the United States Department of State since 2005. For decades, she’s been exploring the complicated legal questions that are coming to the forefront since October 7th which makes her the perfect guest for this episode.