Civilian Casualties from Explosive Violence Hit Record High in 2024

GBUnited Kingdom|

A recent study by Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has revealed that civilian casualties from explosive violence reached the highest level globally in more than a decade, with 61,353 non-combatants either killed or wounded in 2024. This figure marks a staggering 67% increase from the previous year and is the largest total reported since the organization began its monitoring in 2010. A significant portion of these casualties, approximately 55%, or 33,910 individuals, resulted from Israeli military actions, primarily in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The second highest contributor was the Russian military's actions in Ukraine, which accounted for 19% of the total casualties.

The report indicates that Gaza was the most severely affected region, contributing to 39% of the reported civilian casualties. The Gaza Ministry of Health provides even higher death toll estimates, suggesting that more than 23,600 individuals were killed in the area alone during 2024. Iain Overton, executive director of AOAV, emphasized the need for the international community to address the situation, describing it as a catastrophic year for civilians caught in explosive violence.

The study also noted an increase in reported incidents, with the number of casualties from airstrikes doubling to 30,804. Previous peaks in civilian casualties were observed during the Syrian civil war and early campaigns against the Islamic State, but the current figures exceed those levels significantly. Although the report is based on English-language media, it is understood to be an undercount of the actual civilian toll.

As conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine, and Lebanon intensify, the ongoing bombing campaigns continue to have devastating impacts on civilian populations.

Weekly Newsletter

Loading...

More from United Kingdom

UK Woman Reveals Years of Abuse by Ex-Husband in Chilling Confession

A woman in the United Kingdom, identified as "Kate" by the BBC, has accused her ex-husband of drugging and raping her for years while she was unconscious. In a shocking revelation aired on the BBC's investigative program File on 4, Kate shared that her husband confessed to the abuse in a disturbingly casual manner, stating, "I have been raping you. I've been sedating you and taking photographs of you for years." According to Kate, the assaults occurred while she was sedated with sleeping medication mixed into her tea. After a panic attack led her to disclose the abuse to her sister, her mother contacted the police. Initially, Kate withdrew the charges, concerned for her children, but later chose to pursue justice. Following a formal investigation, her husband was convicted of multiple sexual offenses, including rape, and sentenced to 11 years in prison. Kate has since been diagnosed with PTSD and a neurological disorder, emphasizing the psychological manipulation she endured throughout their marriage. This case has drawn parallels to a similar high-profile trial in France, highlighting the often-hidden nature of such abuses.
GBUnited Kingdom

The Global Landscape: Signs of a New World Order Amid Rising Conflicts

Tensions are escalating worldwide, with experts suggesting that the conditions for a new global conflict may already be in motion. Fiona Hill, a policy analyst for the UK government, asserted that a third world war has begun, reflecting a deteriorating geopolitical landscape marked by state-sponsored violence and an erosion of established international norms. Former Labour Foreign Secretary David Miliband echoed these concerns, noting a significant shift in global dynamics reminiscent of the Cold War's end. He highlighted the United States' declining role as a stabilizing force, marking a departure from the world order established post-World War II. This sentiment was further underscored by France's President Emmanuel Macron, who stated that the West cannot remain silent on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza while condemning similar actions globally, such as those in Ukraine. As conflicts rage from Kashmir to Gaza, the absence of decisive U.S. leadership has raised alarms among European officials, who are now advocating for autonomous strategies to address emerging threats. The deteriorating international situation underscores a pivotal moment in global affairs, with implications that could redefine alliances and power structures in the years to come.
GBUnited Kingdom

Gruesome Murder Trial of Colombian Actor Shocks UK

A chilling murder case has emerged in the UK involving Colombian national Yostin Andres Mosquera, 35, accused of decapitating and dismembering an elderly couple, Paul Longworth, 71, and Albert Alfonso, 62. Prosecutors allege that the gruesome acts occurred on July 8, 2024, in the couple’s Shepherd’s Bush apartment, with evidence presented during the ongoing trial at the Old Bailey court in London. According to prosecutor Deanna Heer KC, Longworth was reportedly struck in the head with a hammer, while Alfonso suffered multiple stab wounds. Disturbingly, Mosquera allegedly filmed himself singing and dancing following the killings, and authorities found the couple's severed heads in a freezer at their West London home, alongside their remains stuffed into suitcases near the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. Further accusations against Mosquera include financial exploitation attempts, as he sought to transfer over $5,000 into his own account and withdrew more than $1,000 from ATMs before being blocked, highlighting a cynical motive during the alleged crime.
GBUnited Kingdom
All United Kingdom News ->