Highest number of civilians injured by explosives in 2023

Israel-Gaza War

New research reveals that the past year witnessed the greatest number of civilian casualties, both fatalities and injuries, resulting from explosive incidents in over ten years.

The UK-based charity Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) reported the highest number of civilian casualties killed or injured by explosives in over a decade. 

AOAV recorded a 122% increase in civilian fatalities caused by explosives, with conflicts such as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, along with incidents in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and Somalia contributing to this rise. 

AOAV identified at least 7,307 explosive incidents globally in 2023, resulting in the deaths of at least 15,305 civilians, marking a significant increase from the previous year.
Israel's war in Gaza accounted for approximately one-third of the global total, with 920 recorded explosive incidents and 9,334 people killed. 

AOAV highlighted a substantial increase in air-launched weapons globally, indicating a rise from 519 incidents in 2022 to 1,694 in 2023, with Israel being identified as the most injurious state actor. 

Overall, state actors were responsible for 77% of civilian casualties caused by explosives, with Israel being the most impactful, followed by Russia due to the war in Ukraine. Non-state actors also contributed to the increased use of explosive weapons, although the number of civilians killed by non-state actors decreased by 8%. 

AOAV emphasized the disproportionate impact on civilians when explosive weapons are used in urban areas and urged states to consider the stark warning presented by the data.

Source: BBC