Ethicists and the Gaza War

Do bioethicists have an obligation to speak out against such atrocities as Hamas' terrorism and Israel's war crimes? I will argue that they do have such an obligation, but not because they are bioethicists or even ethicists. Before driving home this conclusion, I will highlight some crucial facts in applying criteria for ethical engagement in warfare. Although I maintain that Hamas' terrorist attack of October 7 involved crimes against humanity that deserve condemnation, here I will focus on Israel's subsequent conduct, the ethical significance of which has been insufficiently appreciated among those who embrace a highly prevalent double standard