Special Report: Civilian Harm in the U.S.–Israel–Iran War
- Genocide Watch
- 11 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Alzbeta Frommerova
Genocide Watch
The findings of this report indicate that civilians have borne the greatest burden of the 2026 U.S.–Israel–Iran war. Women and children have been particularly affected by death, injury, displacement, and the disruption of essential services. In Iran, the conflict has also deepened existing patterns of repression and insecurity, particularly in the context of the Women, Life, Freedom movement, further restricting civic space and increasing everyday risks for many communities.
It is important to note that the situation remains fragile. Although diplomatic efforts have raised hopes for de-escalation, including discussions surrounding a ceasefire and a possible peace agreement, reports of military activity have continued, and a durable end to hostilities has yet to be secured.
The humanitarian impact extends far beyond recorded casualty figures. Airstrikes and military operations damaged homes, schools, hospitals, and other civilian infrastructure, forcing large numbers of people to flee and disrupting access to healthcare, education, and livelihoods.
Children have faced interrupted schooling, family separation, and psychological trauma, while women and girls have encountered growing barriers to healthcare, employment, and protection, particularly in displacement settings.
The conflict has also worsened conditions for vulnerable populations already living in precarious circumstances. Across the region, displacement and rising living costs have left many families struggling to meet their basic needs. In Iran, Afghan refugees have faced increasing economic hardship, uncertainty, and concerns about a heightened risk of arrest or deportation amid a more restrictive security environment.
At the same time, the full scale of civilian harm remains difficult to assess. Access to affected areas has been limited, reporting has often been inconsistent, and competing official narratives have complicated efforts to verify information. Available casualty figures should therefore be understood as minimum estimates rather than a complete account of the human cost of the war.
For many civilians, the consequences of the conflict will continue long after the fighting subsides. Families have lost relatives, homes, livelihoods, and access to essential services, while damage to infrastructure and public institutions will take years to repair. Continued humanitarian assistance, sustained access for aid organizations, and efforts to protect civilians will remain essential as affected communities attempt to recover and rebuild their lives.
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