As Israel refuses to stop its use of force against Gaza, the question becomes, "what can the International community do?"

The United Nations' Security Council is trying to pass a resolution condemning Israel's action. So far, however, this effort has been to no avail and will remain so as long as the United States is there exercising its veto power, as they consider any resolution against Israel unfair for focusing on Israel's actions and not Hamas'.

If a resolution is passed it will certainly not authorize the use of force against Israel. It would be a different story of course if it was Iran or the past Iraq who were using force. The U.S. would make sure a resolution was passed without any hesitation.

Many see this as a double standard of U.S. foreign policy. The events of the past week confirm that Might is Right, that those possessing power will prevail in international community.

There are at least three reasons why force should be used against Israel. First, Israel's attack was an offensive against Palestinian's in Gaza. If the attack was proportional to Hamas' launching of rockets, it could be argued that it was in self-defense, but the destruction of infrastructure and the amount of civilian deaths has been overwhelmingly one sided.

As the attack is an offensive the UN Security Council has the right to authorize the use of force.

Second, force should be used to aid humanitarian intervention. In Somalia for example, U.S. troops forced there way in, to make sure humanitarian aid would get through. If Israel begins a forceful ground attack, a humanitarian intervention will be justified.

Lastly, force should be used as Israel has violated international humanitarian law. Merely passing a resolution to condemn them is far from enough to make sure that this kind of violation is not repeated.

The crux of the problem is the role of the United States, who undoubtedly will not agree on a resolution mandating the use of force against Israel.

So what can the international community do?

Taking the example of the United States, when the Security Council did not authorize the use of force against Iraq, the international community should form a coalition of the willing.

If such a coalition is formed it will be different from the United States led mission in Iraq for several reasons. First, the majority of the international community has condemned Israel's aggression; second, the attack by Israel can be categorized as an offensive attack; third, the attack has caused humanitarian concern and lastly, the attack has amounted to an international crime under international law.

The question lies as to who will declare the establishment of this coalition of the willing. Will Arab countries feel obligated to do so because of their close vicinity? Or will Indonesia and Malaysia do so out of solidarity and respect for human rights? Could Venezuela, a developing country who used their voice to rectify international injustices step up to the plate?

One thing is for sure, Israeli's attack should be stopped. A cease-fire should be upheld. Peace should be restored so that civilians will not become victims.

The International community should not tolerate Israel's taking of justice into its own hands.

The writer is Professor of Law, Faculty of Law, University of Indonesia.

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