Executive Summary
This 2026 report from the Explosive Weapons Monitor analyzes the use of explosive weapons in populated areas during 2025. It finds that harm to civilians remained widespread, with over 22,600 fatalities across 65 countries. State armed forces, particularly Israel's, were responsible for the majority of incidents, though attacks on humanitarian aid, education, and healthcare also increased significantly. The report highlights the urgent need to implement the Political Declaration on protecting civilians from explosive weapons.
Why It Matters
This report provides critical data on the devastating impact of explosive weapons on civilians and infrastructure, highlighting the urgent need for adherence to international humanitarian law and the Political Declaration. Defense and geopolitical analysts should care about this document because it quantifies the human cost of modern warfare and identifies key actors and regions where civilian protection is failing, influencing strategic considerations and policy responses.
Key Takeaways
- Civilian harm from explosive weapons remained widespread in 2025, affecting 65 countries, with state armed forces responsible for 85% of incidents.
- The use of explosive weapons by states endorsing the Political Declaration increased in 2025, undermining efforts to protect civilians.
- Attacks on humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and food/water systems with explosive weapons significantly increased, exacerbating humanitarian crises.
- Despite a slight overall decrease in civilian fatalities, Palestine accounted for 56% of global civilian deaths from explosive weapons, primarily due to Israeli armed forces' actions.
- The report highlights the critical need for stronger implementation of the Political Declaration and enhanced protection of civilians in conflict zones worldwide.
Strategic Relevance
This report is strategically relevant as it quantifies the humanitarian impact of explosive weapons, influencing international law, arms control discussions, and military doctrine regarding urban warfare and civilian protection. It provides data for assessing state compliance with international norms and highlights areas of conflict where civilian harm is most acute, informing diplomatic and humanitarian interventions.