A new book by Jérôme Heurtaux, a political scientist from Dauphine University, titled October 7, 3 years of genocide: who will hold Israel accountable? explores the role of international law in the context of the Gaza conflict. Published by Riveneuve editions, the book is discussed in an episode of the podcast On s'autorise à penser, hosted by Julien Théry. Heurtaux examines the limitations of international institutions and the global community in addressing what he describes as a genocidal enterprise following the deadly attack on October 7, 2023. He argues that while international law has often been ignored in the history of the Palestinian issue, it remains vital for identifying and addressing serious crimes such as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Heurtaux emphasizes the importance of legal definitions in understanding the actions of the Israeli state and its military in Gaza. He references the work of the International Court of Justice of the United Nations and the International Criminal Court, which are international bodies tasked with adjudicating serious crimes under international law. He also discusses the history of these institutions, noting that the International Criminal Court was established in 1998, and references earlier tribunals such as the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (1993–2017) and the Rwanda tribunal (1994–2015), which were created to prosecute individuals responsible for atrocities during those conflicts. Heurtaux acknowledges that international law is not without contradictions and ambiguities, and that there are often no effective ways to enforce its rulings. However, he emphasizes that international law still serves as a crucial benchmark and a source of hope in the face of state violence. He suggests that even if international institutions are not always successful in holding powerful states accountable, the existence of these legal frameworks provides a foundation for justice and a way to challenge impunity. In his analysis, Heurtaux calls attention to the need for greater awareness and engagement with international law, particularly in the context of ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises. He argues that while the enforcement of international law may be limited, its principles can still guide international responses and provide a moral and legal framework for addressing human rights violations. His book contributes to an ongoing debate about the effectiveness of international institutions in holding states accountable for their actions.