The World Health Organization (WHO) accused the U.S. and Israel of committing war crimes during military attacks on Iran. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said these strikes deliberately targeted hospitals and schools. He stressed that bombing a hospital or school does not qualify as a “miscalculation.” War crimes must be recognized clearly and addressed immediately.
The U.S. and Israeli forces launched attacks on February 28, striking 30 sites across Tehran. Several senior Iranian officials, including the Leader of the Islamic Republic, Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei, died in the attacks. In retaliation, Iranian forces fired missiles and drones at US bases and Israeli-occupied territories, escalating tensions across the region.
Iranian authorities reported over 1,300 deaths and more than 10,000 injuries. Among the dead, at least 200 children under 12 and over 200 women died. The casualties included 206 students and teachers, showing the severe impact on education. Officials said 17 percent of the injured are women, and 1,040 are under 18, including 65 children younger than five.
The Iranian Red Crescent documented extensive damage to civilian infrastructure. Attackers destroyed nearly 20,000 residential and civilian units, including more than 16,000 homes. They damaged 77 medical centers and pharmacies, 65 schools, and 16 Red Crescent facilities. One US strike hit a school in Minab, Hormozgan Province, killing 168 schoolgirls.
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus condemned the attacks, saying paramedics are not “collateral damage” and starving civilians does not count as a “negotiating tactic.” He called on all parties to recognize these acts as war crimes and hold perpetrators accountable. He emphasized the urgent need to protect civilians and critical infrastructure during conflicts.
The international community monitors the situation closely. Experts warn that repeated war crimes could worsen regional instability and deepen humanitarian crises. Attacks disrupted education, healthcare, and essential services, leaving long-term effects on children and families.
Observers stressed that global intervention and oversight remain essential to protect civilians. As violence continues, accountability and humanitarian relief remain the top priorities. War crimes committed during these strikes underline the urgent need for international action.