Iran Bombings: Adeyanju urges US, Israel to protect civilians

2026-03-02 - 13:07

By Gabriel Ewepu ABUJA — Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, on Monday called on the United States and Israel to prioritise the protection of children and other vulnerable groups following reported bombings in Iran. Adeyanju urged both countries to avoid targeting civilian populations and to respect international humanitarian law, particularly the Geneva Convention, in the ongoing hostilities. “The United States and Israel must respect the Geneva Convention in their war with Iran. Children, hospitals, the civilian population, and vulnerable people must not be targeted,” he said. He stressed the need to safeguard critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools, and markets, warning that attacks on such facilities could worsen humanitarian conditions. Meanwhile, the Iranian Red Crescent Society reported that the strikes affected at least 24 of Iran’s 31 provinces, with 201 deaths and 747 injuries recorded so far. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmaeil Baghaei, said airstrikes on a school in southern Iran may have killed up to 160 people, raising concerns over civilian casualties. Adeyanju reiterated that protecting non-combatants must remain a priority under international law, urging all parties involved to exercise restraint and uphold humanitarian principles.