Civilians at Great Risk of Harm as Airstrikes Multiply Across Middle East

As deadly strikes continue to devastate areas of the Middle East and provoke increasingly militarized responses, Center for Civilians in Conflict (CIVIC) is calling for an immediate de-escalation, reminding all parties that civilians have always borne the brunt of wars in the region. A wave of recent attacks and counterattacks reported throughout the region, including in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Israel, Lebanon, Yemen, and Iran, have significantly increased the risk of civilian harm with confirmed reports of multiple deaths among civilians.

“The risk for civilian harm across parts of the Middle East has reached a new high. We have probably not seen such a risk for civilians in over a decade. We are extremely alarmed by current events in the region and urge all countries involved and those with political leverage to immediately work towards de-escalation,” said Vianney Bisimwa, CIVIC’s Africa and Middle East Director.

CIVIC continues to remind involved parties of their obligations under international humanitarian law and to take all possible precautions to protect civilians. CIVIC also calls on all parties to restrict the use of explosive weapons in populated areas (EWIPA), given their devastating impact on civilians and civilian areas.

The recent waves of deadly strikes reflect a widening regional escalation following last year’s attacks on October 7 carried out by Palestinian armed groups and Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which, after more than nine months, continues to be characterized by catastrophic civilian harm and unabated violations of international humanitarian law by all parties.

“The protection of civilians cannot be achieved through mere statements of good intention. So far, there has been a consistent pattern of civilian harm in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and Israel—and now in neighboring countries—that shows involved parties have failed to protect civilians,” said Bisimwa.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Hajer Naili, Director of Communications, hnaili@civiliansinconflict.org, +31.6.21.69.68.86 / +1 917 889 5982 (WhatsApp)