More than 100 experts on international law have signed an open letter expressing 'profound concern' about significant violations of international law by the US, Israel, and Iran in the Middle East war. They argue that the US-Israeli decision to attack Iran is a clear breach of the United Nations Charter, which prohibits the use of force except in self-defense or with prior UNSC authorization.
The experts specifically point to 'alarming rhetoric' from officials, including US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran's power infrastructure. In response, the White House claimed Trump was improving regional security while dismissing the concerns of these 'so-called experts.'
The letter also criticizes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments about 'no quarter' being given to enemies. Declaring such a stance breaches international law, particularly laws that protect civilians and combatants who surrender.
The experts include prominent figures such as Jonathan Tracy, former US army judge advocate, and Oona A Hathaway from Yale Law School.
The letter underscores the humanitarian crisis unfolding due to these militaristic actions, noting that over 1,600 civilians, including children, have died in Iran since the conflict erupted. It specifically mentions a tragic strike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, that killed at least 168 individuals, many of whom were children, indicating a serious potential breach of international humanitarian law. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with suggestions that outdated intelligence may have led to the disastrous attack.
The international community, while acknowledging the complexities of the conflict, reiterates the importance of adhering to established laws governing warfare to safeguard civilians amid escalating military engagements.
The experts specifically point to 'alarming rhetoric' from officials, including US President Donald Trump's threats against Iran's power infrastructure. In response, the White House claimed Trump was improving regional security while dismissing the concerns of these 'so-called experts.'
The letter also criticizes Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's comments about 'no quarter' being given to enemies. Declaring such a stance breaches international law, particularly laws that protect civilians and combatants who surrender.
The experts include prominent figures such as Jonathan Tracy, former US army judge advocate, and Oona A Hathaway from Yale Law School.
The letter underscores the humanitarian crisis unfolding due to these militaristic actions, noting that over 1,600 civilians, including children, have died in Iran since the conflict erupted. It specifically mentions a tragic strike on a primary school in Minab, Iran, that killed at least 168 individuals, many of whom were children, indicating a serious potential breach of international humanitarian law. The investigation into this incident is ongoing, with suggestions that outdated intelligence may have led to the disastrous attack.
The international community, while acknowledging the complexities of the conflict, reiterates the importance of adhering to established laws governing warfare to safeguard civilians amid escalating military engagements.
