Summary: The intensification of military operations in the Gaza Strip in April 2025 has marked a critical juncture in the protracted Israeli–Palestinian conflict. The disproportionate use of force by Israeli armed forces has resulted in extensive civilian casualties and destruction of essential infrastructure, raising serious concerns under international humanitarian law. In parallel, the global Islamic community has demonstrated a multifaceted response, characterized by religious jurisprudence (fatwas), organized public mobilizations, and targeted humanitarian interventions. This article aims to examine the empirical dimensions of the 2025 escalation while analyzing the socio-religious and legal responses initiated across the Muslim world. It explores how theological mandates intersect with civic engagement, and how Islamic ethical frameworks are operationalized in the context of modern geopolitical crises.
Introduction
The year 2025 has witnessed an unprecedented surge in hostilities in the Gaza Strip, further compounding one of the longest-standing territorial and political conflicts in contemporary history. Characterized by systemic targeting of civilian zones, including healthcare and residential facilities, the escalation has triggered a wave of international condemnation and civil resistance—particularly among the Muslim-majority countries. This paper investigates the recent escalation, critically evaluating the legality of the conduct of hostilities under international humanitarian frameworks, and contextualizing the Muslim world’s reaction through the lenses of Islamic jurisprudence and collective ethics.
Military Escalation and Humanitarian Crisis: Targeting of Medical Infrastructure and Civilian Fatalities
One of the most alarming incidents in the April 2025 offensive was the bombardment of Al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza on April 13. The facility, already operating beyond capacity due to siege conditions, sustained heavy damage following a dual missile strike conducted by Israeli forces. Although the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) justified the attack by alleging militant activity within the premises, no verifiable evidence…
