Human rights lawyer and activist Deji Adeyanju has joined growing calls for adherence to international humanitarian law as tensions escalate between the United States, Israel, and Iran.
Adeyanju urged the United States and Israel to comply with the Geneva Conventions, stressing that civilians—including children, hospital patients, and other vulnerable groups—must not be targeted during military operations.
In a post on social media, he wrote: “The United States and Israel must respect the Geneva Convention in their war with Iran. Children, hospitals, civil population and vulnerable people must not be targeted.”
His statement echoes wider international appeals for restraint. The United Nations has repeatedly reminded parties involved in armed conflicts of their legal obligation to distinguish between combatants and civilians and to ensure proportionality in military actions.
The UN has also warned that attacks on hospitals and civilian infrastructure could amount to serious violations of international law.
Similarly, the International Committee of the Red Cross has urged all sides to strictly observe the rules of war, particularly regarding the protection of medical facilities, humanitarian workers, and displaced persons.
The organization highlighted the severe humanitarian consequences that often arise from prolonged military escalation, especially in densely populated areas.
Human rights groups have also raised concerns about the risk of wider regional instability, warning that continued escalation could deepen civilian suffering, disrupt essential services, and lead to increased displacement across borders.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts are ongoing, with several governments calling for de-escalation and renewed dialogue to prevent a broader regional crisis, while humanitarian agencies continue working to ensure aid access and strengthen protections for civilians caught in the conflict.