Consider the following hypothetical scenario as a basis for whether Israel has a moral obligation to ceasefire in Gaza. After you read the scenario below, answer 2 simple questions.
HOW MANY PEOPLE WOULD YOU KILL IN THIS SCENARIO?
SAY there is a room with 10 people in it.
SAY that every one of the 10 people in that room is armed with a gun.
SAY that room is right next to a room with you and your entire family and close friends in it. Say that only one man in your room, you, has a gun and it is your responsibility to defend your entire family and friends in your room.
SAY that every single one in the room of 10 next to your room is determined to kill every single person in your room. All ten of them pray to kill you, dream of killing you and teach their children to want to kill you. In fact they are so determined to kill you that they consider it the highest honor to die themselves in the effort of trying to kill you.
SAY that 2 of the people from the room next to you break into your room. The two of them kill your father, rape and kill your wife and daughter. They also kidnap your mother and cousin and take them back to their room where the other 8 people are. They are torturing your mother and cousin.
SAY those 10 people did this with the expectation that you would come to their room to rescue your family members. And, they were preparing to kill you when you do.
Answer the following two moral questions:
1. Would you go to rescue your family members?
2. If you do, how many of those ten people are you prepared to kill? In other words, at what point did you ceasefire?
In this scenario, let's further say that there are some additional unarmed non-combattens in the room with the 10 people. They are aware of the situation at play, including what their roommates did to your family. What's more, they are quite thrilled and proud of what their roommates did to your roommates!
These unarmed non-combattens are free to leave the room. In fact, you encouraged them to do so and gave them time to do so! But they chose to stay, being fully aware of the risks. Who is to blame if some of those unarmed non-combattens are killed or injured during the ensuing battle?
