International law meant to limit effects of war at breaking point, study finds

Report describes the deaths of 18,592 children in Gaza, growing civilian casualties in Ukraine, and an 'epidemic' of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

A prisoner swap after the October 2025 ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Hundreds more Palestinians have been killed since.

An authoritative survey of 23 armed conflicts over the last 18 months has concluded international law seeking to limit the effects of war is at breaking point, with more than 100,000 civilians killed, while torture and rape are committed with near impunity.

The extensive study by the Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights describes the deaths of 18,592 children in Gaza, growing civilian casualties in Ukraine, and an “epidemic” of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.