GIWPS Analysis: U.S.–Israeli Attacks on Iran
The U.S.–Israeli attacks on Iran this weekend have been met with a wide range of reactions, from concern over compliance with the law, to cautious hope among some that the strikes could change Iran’s political trajectory, to fears about broader regional escalation. GIWPS will elevate reactions and analyses from Iranian women in our network over the coming days and weeks.
One aspect of the attacks, however, has broad consensus: the reported attack on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, which killed 165 school girls and staff and injured dozens of others during class time, is appalling and a shocking reminder of civilians’ vulnerability in conflict. International norms and laws explicitly protect civilians and civilian spaces like schools, and the Women, Peace and Security agenda calls for the protection of women and children in all situations of armed conflict. Intentional targeting or failure to protect educational spaces erodes fundamental rights, leads to devastating civilian deaths and injuries, risks further escalation of conflicts, and may violate international humanitarian law.
GIWPS remains very concerned about the escalating war and growing loss of life–including the lives of women and girls–given the reported death toll of nearly 900 across Iran, Bahrain, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and Israel, as well as six American soldiers. All parties must uphold their legal obligations to protect civilians in every aspect of this military conflict, while seeking all available paths towards deescalation and non-violent resolution.
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