False
Is it a war crime to bomb civilian infrastructure, as Donald Trump has threatened?
Bombing civilian infrastructure is considered a war crime under international law, contrary to the claim.
Key points
- Bombing civilian infrastructure is prohibited by the Geneva Conventions and other international laws of war.
- The International Criminal Court has prosecuted individuals for such acts in various conflicts.
- Statements threatening such actions are not legally binding.
Explanation
According to the Geneva Conventions, which form the core of international humanitarian law, it is a war crime to intentionally target civilian infrastructure or civilians. This includes bombing hospitals, schools, and other non-military targets during armed conflicts. The International Criminal Court has prosecuted individuals for such acts in various conflicts, including the bombing of a hospital in Kunduz, Afghanistan, by NATO forces in 2015. Statements made by political figures like Donald Trump, while they may reflect their personal views or campaign rhetoric, do not change international law and cannot be used to justify war crimes.