In the fragmented landscape of modern warfare, civilian populations have emerged as the silent victims of aggressive militarized conflicts. As violence escalates in Ukraine and Gaza, and amid the simmering tensions between Israel and Iran, we find ourselves confronting a grim reality: the deliberate targeting of civilians has become an alarming new norm. This is not merely a violation of domestic and international law; it is a profound moral failure that reflects the ongoing disregard for human life amidst the brutal machinations of warfare. A new crime against humanity takes shape against a backdrop of inhumane acts: mass destruction.

In Ukraine, the conflict initiated by Russia’s unprovoked invasion in 2022 has witnessed a savage campaign marked by widespread destruction. Cities such as Mariupol and Bucha stand as testament to the intentional strikes against civilian areas, with a chilling disregard for the laws of armed conflict, which categorically prohibit the targeting of non-combatants. Reports detailing strikes on hospitals, schools, and residential buildings underscore the harrowing reality that civilians are paying the price for geopolitical ambitions. Notably, the deliberate tactics employed by warring factions can be traced back to a troubling historical precedent where civilians are seen as “collateral damage“ rather than as individuals deserving protection. As military historian John Keegan poignantly noted, “the history of war is the history of mankind,” suggesting that our struggles for dominance and territory often come at the expense of the most vulnerable among us.

Similarly, Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza have intensified the suffering of civilians, resulting in a full-scale humanitarian catastrophe. While these operations are often justified as necessary to neutralize militant threats, the disproportionate use of force has led to staggering civilian casualties. Women and children, who are to be afforded special protections under international law, have tragically found themselves on the frontlines of this violence, subjected to airstrikes that decimate homes and hospitals. While armed conflict laws stipulate that military operations must be proportionate and necessary, the distinction between military and civilian targets often blurs, leading to a systematic cycle of violence that devastates families and communities. 

Now, as Iran’s military actions increasingly impact civilian areas in Israel, the broader landscape of warfare becomes even more fraught, adding another layer of complexity to a region already marked by deep historical tensions. Such actions not only violate the cardinal principles of protecting civilians but also exacerbate an already volatile situation, where innocents become pawns in a perilous chess game of power in this new 21st century conflict. The ramifications of these strikes are devastating, as lives hang in the balance and futures dim under the shadow of warfare.

The laws of armed conflict establish fundamental principles aimed at safeguarding civilians, particularly in times of war. It mandates a clear obligation upon warring parties not only to avoid direct attacks on civilians but also to ensure that military objectives are rooted in necessity and proportionality. The targeting of hospitals, schools, and places of refuge stands as a stark violation of these laws, highlighting a grim reality where strategic decision-making frequently overrides ethical considerations. The protection of vulnerable populations, including women and children, must be unequivocally prioritized, yet evidence suggests that in the chaos of armed conflict, empathy often yields to the unrelenting pursuit of military objectives.

As the 21st century progresses, it becomes more pressing for us to confront the urgent need for accountability among those who orchestrate military intervention by calling for adherence to the laws of armed conflict and international humanitarian law. The failure to adhere to the legal and moral codes that govern warfare not only undermines the principles of justice, but also erodes the very fabric of humanity. To heed Keegan’s assertion about the intertwined histories of war and humankind, we must recognize that our choices in conflict reflect upon our collective conscience. If we continue down a path where civilian lives are expendable, we risk perpetuating a cycle of violence that will inevitably ensnare us all.

As we bear witness to the unfolding tragedies in Ukraine, Gaza, Israel, and Iran, it is imperative that the international community calls out combatants who fail to protect civilians and to fortify the legal frameworks designed to protect all civilians in conflict. The dirty wars of the 21st century compel us to advocate for a world where compassion supersedes conflict, and where the sanctity of life is upheld even amidst the chaos of war. 

David M. Crane is the Founding Chief Prosecutor of the UN Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Founder of the Global Accountability Network. A former judge advocate, he played a key role in developing the US Department of Defense’s Law of War Program.