Is Israel’s War on Hamas A Just War?
Time for Catholics to reacquaint ourselves in the Ethics of Just War Theory.
JUST WAR.
According to St Thomas Aquinas,
A Just War must be called by a sovereign authority. It is a nation (not individuals) who declares war.
Although war is, by nature, an evil—Wars are just when they are in defense of the common good.
It is the grave responsibility of the sovereign to care for the common good (of a particular nation).
Addressing HAMAS and the Palestinians who have voted them into power:
When private citizens, either individually or in groups, take up arms to oppose the common good, they are not engaged in war, but in the sin of sedition and oppose the unity and peace of a people. (ST II-II, q. 42)—UNLAWFUL COMBATANTS.
Moreover, the sin of sedition applies “not only in him who sows discord, but also in those who dissent from one another inordinately” by following the fomenters of sedition—PALESTINIANS who have voted Hamas as their representatives have responsibility for these actions (and consequences when Hamas causes terror in a Sovereign State).
Finally—Proportionality:
The good to be achieved outweighs the evil of war.
One cannot war justly over a slight cause.
War should be only waged as a last resort.
There must be a reasonable hope of success; one cannot engage in justified, but hopeless actions.
One may only use the minimal force necessary to achieve just ends.
DISCUSS:
Has Israel abided by Just War Theory—responding to terrorist attack on October 7, striking underground tunnels after opening civilian safe passage corridors; advanced and repeated warnings; providing intent at the cost of their military?
For those calling Hamas “freedom fighters”, can you justify ANYTHING they have done by Just War theory?
Are SUPPORTERS of “Palestinian liberation” complicit in atrocities?
Are Christians morally obligated to demand HAMAS immediately return hostages, end their violence and surrender their arms in order to face justice?
Post your responses!
Ref:
newadvent.org/summa/3040.htm
https://aquinasonline.com/just-war/