In the complex and often grim theater of contemporary global politics, the protection of civilian lives, particularly children, remains a paramount concern. Yet, as conflicts persist from the Middle East to sub-Saharan Africa, some nations continue to defend military actions that consistently result in significant civilian casualties. A closer examination reveals a troubling pattern of justification, deflection, and impunity among certain global powers. As Israel resumes the genocidal bombing of Gaza, it’s worth delving into which countries have most frequently defended such actions.
1. Israel: The Gaza Genocide and Beyond
Israel has faced international condemnation and accusations of genocide for its military operations in Gaza, where civilian casualties, including children, have been alarmingly high. According to the United Nations, tens of thousands of Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since 2008, with significant spikes during military operations like Protective Edge (2014) and Guardian of the Walls (2021). Since October 7, 2023, Israel has killed at least 17,400 children in Gaza.
The Israeli government consistently defends these actions by framing them as necessary responses to Hamas rocket attacks and tunnel networks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly used the victim blaming “human shields” defense of these atrocities. Critics, however, argue that even if such a claim is proven true: it does not absolve Israel of its responsibility under international humanitarian law to minimize civilian harm. If a police officer needs to enter a school where an armed gunman is opening fire on children— the correct course of action would not be to bomb the entire school and kill everyone— even if those school kids were being held as human shields or hostages.
Reports by Human Rights Watch and the United Nations have accused Israel of committing war crimes during the Gaza conflict in 2021 and 2023, citing indiscriminate airstrikes on densely populated areas. Despite this, the U.S. has repeatedly blocked UN Security Council resolutions condemning Israel’s actions, further shielding its ally from accountability.
2. United States: Drone Strikes and Counterterrorism
The United States, a self-proclaimed champion of human rights, has also been implicated in civilian deaths through its drone strike programs in countries like Afghanistan, Yemen, and Somalia. A 2021 report by The New York Times revealed that a U.S. drone strike in Kabul during the final days of the Afghanistan War killed 10 civilians, including seven children. Initially, the Pentagon defended the strike as “righteous,” claiming it targeted ISIS-K operatives. Only after intense media scrutiny did officials admit the mistake.
The U.S. has long justified its drone program as a precise and necessary tool in the fight against terrorism. However, researchers from the Bureau of Investigative Journalism estimate that between 2004 and 2020, U.S. drone strikes killed between 910 and 2,200 civilians in Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia. While the Biden administration has introduced new guidelines to reduce civilian harm, critics argue that the lack of transparency and accountability remains a significant issue.
3. Russia: Syria and Ukraine
Russia’s military interventions in Syria and Ukraine have been marked by widespread allegations of war crimes, including the targeting of civilians. In Syria, Russian airstrikes in support of the Assad regime have been linked to the deaths of thousands of civilians, including children. A 2020 report by the Syrian Network for Human Rights documented over 2,000 child fatalities caused by Russian forces since 2015.
Russia has consistently denied these allegations, often attributing civilian casualties to rebel groups or dismissing reports as Western propaganda. In Ukraine, similar patterns have emerged since the 2022 invasion. The bombing of a maternity hospital in Mariupol and the destruction of civilian infrastructure have drawn global outrage. Yet, Russian officials have defended these actions as necessary to “denazify” Ukraine, a narrative widely dismissed as baseless by the international community.
4. Saudi Arabia: The Yemen War
Saudi Arabia’s military campaign in Yemen, launched in 2015, has been one of the most devastating conflicts for civilians in recent history. The Saudi-led coalition has been accused of indiscriminate bombing of schools, hospitals, and residential areas. A 2018 report by Save the Children estimated that 85,000 children under the age of five may have died from extreme hunger and disease caused by the war, exacerbated by coalition blockades.
Despite overwhelming evidence of civilian harm, Saudi Arabia has defended its actions as necessary to counter Houthi rebels, whom it accuses of being Iranian proxies. The U.S. and UK have faced criticism for their roles in supporting the Saudi campaign through arms sales and logistical assistance, further complicating efforts to hold Saudi Arabia accountable.
5. Myanmar: The Rohingya Genocide
While not a traditional military power, Myanmar’s military, the Tatmadaw, has been implicated in widespread atrocities against the Rohingya Muslim minority, including the killing of children. A 2018 UN report described the military’s actions as bearing “the hallmarks of genocide.” Myanmar’s government has consistently denied these allegations, claiming its operations were aimed at rooting out insurgents.
A Culture of Impunity
The defense of military actions that kill children and civilians often hinges on narratives of national security, counterterrorism, or geopolitical necessity. However, as these examples illustrate, such justifications frequently serve to obscure violations of international law and perpetuate cycles of violence. Until global powers are held accountable— whether through international courts, sanctions, or diplomatic pressure— the protection of civilians will remain an elusive goal.
