More than 100 experts on international law have signed an open letter expressing profound concern about what they see as serious violations of international law by the US, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East war. They say the US-Israeli decision to attack on Iran was a clear breach of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force outside of self-defence or when authorised by the UN Security Council.
The experts also pointed to alarming rhetoric used by officials, including US President Donald Trump's threats to obliterate Iran's power plants. In response, the White House stated that Trump was making the region safer, dismissing the criticisms as coming from so-called experts.
The letter highlights Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial statement about refusing to grant quarter in conflict, which is explicitly forbidden under international law. This declaration endangers both civilians and combatants, as indicated by various signatories of the letter, including former US army judge advocate Jonathan Tracy and Yale Law professor Oona A Hathaway.
The experts warned that such conduct not only threatens civilians but also risk undermining fundamental rules that protect rights in armed conflicts. Additionally, reports indicate that at least 1,606 civilians, including children, have been killed in Iran since the conflict started, with ongoing missile attacks from Iran resulting in casualties in Israel.
The experts emphasize the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law, indicating potential war crimes in specific military actions, such as the attack on a school in Minab that killed numerous children. This event highlights the urgency of accountability and respect for legal frameworks during wartime.
The experts also pointed to alarming rhetoric used by officials, including US President Donald Trump's threats to obliterate Iran's power plants. In response, the White House stated that Trump was making the region safer, dismissing the criticisms as coming from so-called experts.
The letter highlights Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth's controversial statement about refusing to grant quarter in conflict, which is explicitly forbidden under international law. This declaration endangers both civilians and combatants, as indicated by various signatories of the letter, including former US army judge advocate Jonathan Tracy and Yale Law professor Oona A Hathaway.
The experts warned that such conduct not only threatens civilians but also risk undermining fundamental rules that protect rights in armed conflicts. Additionally, reports indicate that at least 1,606 civilians, including children, have been killed in Iran since the conflict started, with ongoing missile attacks from Iran resulting in casualties in Israel.
The experts emphasize the critical need for adherence to international humanitarian law, indicating potential war crimes in specific military actions, such as the attack on a school in Minab that killed numerous children. This event highlights the urgency of accountability and respect for legal frameworks during wartime.
