The Evolving Theatre of Urban Warfare: A Post-Modern Battlefield in Ukraine and Gaza

This paper examines the evolving dynamics of urban warfare, emphasising the integration of advanced technologies and their profound impact on modern military operations. Through detailed analyses of the battles of Bakhmut and Gaza, the study explores how innovations such as kamikaze drones, precision-guided munitions, and enhanced surveillance systems have transformed the urban battlefield, rendering it both deadlier and less predictable. The research highlights how these technologies have led to the ‘civilianisation’ of high-tech warfare, where cyber operations and sophisticated information campaigns play roles as critical as physical firepower. Additionally, the paper investigates the psychological dimensions of urban combat, focusing on the use of cyber warfare to influence morale and public perception. By synthesising insights from recent conflicts, this study reflects on the operational, ethical, and strategic challenges faced by modern militaries, particularly in densely populated environments. The findings aim to inform future defence strategies, offering valuable perspectives for policymakers and military planners confronting the complexities of post-modern urban warfare.

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Ceasefire in Gaza: The Fragile Agreement Between Israel and Hamas

On December 19th, 2024, a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas entered into force in Gaza, halting the onslaught that has razed most of the Strip to the ground in the past fifteen months (Ewing, 2025; Shotter et al., 2025). The agreement followed months of draining negotiations brokered by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with the backing of the United States (Mills & Mackenzie, 2025). It involves three stages, the first of which started with a few hours delay, displaying the truce’s fragility (Boxerman, 2025). The deal should last 42 days and provide for the release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for about 1,900 Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli prisons (Livni & Boxerman, 2025). Moreover, Israel will have to withdraw its forces from Gaza’s population centres to areas no more than 700 metres inside Gaza’s border with Israel, allowing civilians to return to what remains of their homes and a surge of aid into the enclave (Al Jazeera Staff, 2025).

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Explosive Devices in Lebanon: an analysis of lawfulness in modern warfare 

This article studies the events surrounding the explosive attacks in Lebanon on September 17th and 18th through the lens of IHL, uncovering significant concerns about Israel’s adherence to IHL regarding the lawful use of weapons. The lack of distinction between military objectives and civilian objects, coupled with the high number of civilian casualties, underscores the failure to comply with fundamental principles of IHL. This article explains how the implicit use of devices such as pagers, mobile phones, and laptops as explosive weapons hinders the ability to target combatants while minimising harm to civilians, making the use of this new method of warfare unlawful. This case exemplifies a broader and worrying trend of rising civilian harm in conflicts globally, as seen in Ukraine, the Middle East, and beyond. The analysis underscores the need for respect for the most basic principles of IHL, particularly distinction and caution, when developing and using new methods of warfare, and serves as a call for respect and accountability for the principles that aim to make conflicts more humane by safeguarding the lives of civilians.

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Jus ad bellum: Protecting Sovereignty and Diplomatic Immunity in the Israel-Iran conflict

In the complex landscape of international relations, the right to self-defence is fundamental in shaping state action when faced with aggression. This right is set within the framework of international law through the United Nations (UN) Charter in article 51 (UN Charter, 1945), which delineates the limits to how states can respond to threats to their sovereignty and security. Recent events, such as the Iran-Israeli conflict, have reopened discussions on the application and interpretation of the right of self-defence. As tensions escalate and geopolitical dynamics evolve, it is essential to take a closer look at the legal foundation of states’ notion of self-defence and its relevance in contemporary conflicts. This article examines the nature of self-defence in international law and explores its core elements through an analysis of the recent retaliatory spiral that started with Israel’s strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria.

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(De)-escalation in the Iran-Israel Conflict: An Analysis of the April 2024 Incidents and their Aftermath

The Iran-Israeli conflict is a long-standing part of Middle Eastern politics that is rooted in a history of mutual hostility and mistrust. After decades of low-intensity hybrid conflict characterised by retaliatory strikes on and through proxies, mutual accusations of supporting terrorism, and other types of covert and hybrid warfare, a recent series of escalations culminated in the direct Iranian attack on Israeli territory on 13 April 2024, and Israel’s subsequent response on 19 April 2024. This exchange raised concerns over the possibility of region-wide conflict between the two states. The global community, including the U.S., the EU, and the UN have called for de-escalation to prevent further deterioration in the region’s security and stability. This paper looks at the events leading to the aggravation of the conflict, the responses from Iran and Israel, and the reactions from international players. It assesses the strategies employed, examining both military actions and diplomatic efforts, as well as the global and regional perceptions, and considers the possibilities for future (de)escalation. Ultimately, the research offers insights into the intricacies of the Iran-Israel conflict and its implications for regional stability in the Middle East.

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