Key facts
- 22,600 civilian deaths globally were caused by explosive weapons in 2025.
- 56% of these deaths were attributed to the Israeli military.
- Attacks on humanitarian aid increased by 52% in 2025.
- 90% of aid-related incidents occurred in Palestinian territory.
- Air-launched weapons, including drones, caused 67% of civilian harm incidents.
- Attacks on schools rose by 64% globally.
The Israeli military was responsible for 56 percent of the 22,600 civilian deaths caused by explosive weapons globally in 2025, according to a new report by the Explosive Weapons Monitor. This figure represents a significant portion of the total casualties recorded worldwide.
The report also highlighted a 52 percent increase in the use of explosive weapons affecting humanitarian aid, with approximately 90 percent of these incidents occurring in Palestinian territory. Air-launched weapons, particularly drones, accounted for 67 percent of all incidents resulting in civilian harm. Attacks on essential services, including schools and healthcare facilities, saw substantial increases globally.
Humanity & Inclusion (HI), which advocates for civilian protection, noted that while overall civilian deaths from explosive weapons decreased by 21% from 2024 to 2025, largely due to ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, the use of these weapons in other conflicts is rising. The organization is calling for states to reaffirm civilian protection and strengthen International Humanitarian Law.
Globally, explosive weapons caused widespread civilian suffering in at least 65 countries and territories in 2025. The report detailed specific increases in attacks on schools (up 64%), healthcare facilities (up 20% in Ukraine), and food and water infrastructure.