Commentary on the current conflict between Israel and Hamas has brought into popular use a number of terms such as genocide and war crimes that emerge from distinct and specific legal traditions. Using powerful terms like these in political and human rights advocacy can conflate the moral, political, and legal implications of the conflict—or rhetorically, advance certain moral beliefs, cultural allegiances or political agendas. Throwing around legal terms for emotive impact can obscure the important legal framework governing armed conflict that must be applied in addressing this conflict as a matter of international law.