PARIS — More than half of all civilian deaths caused by explosive weapons in 2025 were attributed to the Israeli military, according to a new report by the Explosive Weapons Monitor.
The report found that of the 22,600 civilian deaths recorded globally from explosive weapons this year, 56 percent were linked to Israeli military attacks.
It also said the use of explosive weapons in attacks affecting humanitarian aid rose by 52 percent in 2025, with around 90 percent of all such incidents recorded in the Palestinian territory.
“When explosive weapons are used in populated areas, civilians suffer,” said Katherine Young, the organization’s research and monitoring manager.
“What is particularly alarming is that this harm has become persistent across conflicts worldwide, risking the normalisation of civilian suffering on a massive scale.”
“Civilian harm remained severe, with 56 percent of all recorded civilian deaths attributed to Israeli armed forces,” said the monitor, which researches explosive weapon use and harms in populated areas for the International Network on Explosive Weapons, made up of nearly 50 NGOs.
In 2025 Israel was at war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip following the Palestinian militant group’s October 2023 attack, as well as continuing its conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon and fighting a 12-day war with Iran in June.
Particularly hard hit places included Iran, Lebanon, the Palestinian territories, Myanmar, Ukraine and Sudan, the report said, with state armed forces “responsible for 85 percent of all incidents” causing civilian harm or damage.
A statement announcing the report noted as well the “growing threat” to civilian infrastructure and essential services.
Source: Saudi Gazette