International Affairs and International Humanitarian Law Division of the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS)
“IHL Violations in Iran”
Iranian Red Crescent Society Condemns Violations of International Humanitarian Law by Israel
In light of recent escalations, the Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) expresses its grave concern over repeated and systematic violations of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) by Israeli regime’s forces, resulting in severe harm to civilians, relief personnel, and protected infrastructure across the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Documented evidence reveals widespread breaches of the IHL, including:
- Attacks on Medical and Relief Personnel
Five IRCS relief workers were killed and sixteen injured while providing humanitarian aid. Such targeting directly violates Articles 16 and 20 of the Fourth Geneva Convention (1949), Articles 15 and 71 of Additional Protocol I (1977), and Article 8(2)(b)(xxiv) of the Rome Statute.
- Attacks on Medical and Rehabilitation Centers
Hospitals, health units, and Red Crescent facilities have been destroyed or damaged, disrupting vital services and endangering vulnerable patients. These acts contravene Article 18 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, Article 12(1) of Additional Protocol I, and Article 8(2)(b)(iii) of the Rome Statute.
- Destruction of Relief Equipment and Vehicles
Ambulances, helicopters, and rescue units have been targeted, violating Articles 21 and 24 of Additional Protocol I.
- Attacks on Civilians and Protected Persons
Based on information available as of July 8, 2025, 40% of the 1,060 reported fatalities were civilians, including women, children, journalists, and pregnant women. These attacks violate Article 16 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, highlighting disregard for the principle of civilian immunity.
- Destruction of Civilian Infrastructure
Thousands of homes, commercial buildings, and educational centers have been damaged or destroyed. These actions breach Articles 51(2) and 52 of Additional Protocol I.
- Attacks on Essential Civilian Resources
Targeting of water, energy, and food supply systems constitutes a violation of Article 54 of Additional Protocol I.
- Attack on Evin Prison
Strikes on a civilian detention facility, its hospital, visitors, and staff are prohibited under both treaty-based and customary IHL, which afford civilian status and protection to such structures.
- Targeting of Civilian Nuclear Facilities
Strikes on Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan facilities represent a grave escalation and pose serious risks to civilian populations and environmental safety.
The IRCS calls on all international humanitarian and legal bodies to condemn these violations and take urgent action to uphold the principles of IHL and protect human life.
“IHL Violations in Gaza”
Iranian Red Crescent Society Urges Immediate Action to Prevent Mass Starvation in Gaza
The Iranian Red Crescent Society (IRCS) expresses deep alarm over the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, where civilians—especially children, women, and the elderly—are facing imminent risk of starvation due to the continued blockade and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian assistance.
As of July 2025, independent reports and field data indicate that entire populations are suffering from extreme food insecurity. Malnutrition-related deaths are being reported at an increasing rate, particularly among infants and children under five. Gaza’s entire food system—farms, markets, bakeries, and supply routes—has been systematically destroyed or rendered inoperable.
This crisis is not merely a consequence of conflict, but a direct result of policies and military actions that intentionally deprive civilians of the essentials for survival. These include:
- Obstruction and Denial of Humanitarian Relief
The ongoing siege, combined with restrictions on humanitarian corridors, has severely hampered the IRCS and other neutral actors from delivering food, medicine, and clean water. This violates Article 23 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which mandates the free passage of relief supplies for civilians, and Articles 70 and 71 of Additional Protocol I.
- Use of Starvation as a Method of Warfare
The deliberate targeting of infrastructure essential for civilian survival—such as water networks, food storage facilities, and agricultural areas—constitutes a war crime under Article 54 of Additional Protocol I and Article 8(2)(b)(xxv) of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
- Disproportionate Impact on Vulnerable Populations
Children are dying from hunger and dehydration in hospitals lacking electricity and basic supplies. The situation represents a violation of the obligation to afford special protection to vulnerable groups under Article 77 of Additional Protocol I and customary international humanitarian law.
IRCS expresses concern that the deprivation of food and medical aid to a besieged civilian population constitutes a serious violation of the IHL and may amount to genocide under Article 6(c) of the Rome Statute, given the targeted destruction of a population’s means of physical survival.
The IRCS calls on the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations, and all state parties to the Geneva Conventions to take immediate and concrete action to ensure unfettered humanitarian access and to prevent further loss of innocent life in Gaza.