1. United States
2. N.J.
3. Letter

The United States of America is guilty of humanitarian crimes and violations of The Hague and the Geneva convention. The United States military, under the charge of President Donald J. Trump, committed international war crimes and acts of terrorism against innocent Iranian schoolchildren. As per usual for this administration, the victims were people of color, and, naturally, female. The hatred, discrimination, and violence against women is terroristic, and must be stopped now. The U.S.–Israeli airstrike that destroyed a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Iran and reportedly killed dozens of children represents a likely violation of the Hague Regulations and the laws of armed conflict. Reports indicate that between 24 and 50+ students were killed when the school was struck during active classes. Under the Hague and Geneva Conventions, schools are protected civilian objects, and attacking them without clear and immediate military necessity constitutes a grave breach of international law. Even if a military facility existed nearby, international law prohibits attacks where the foreseeable civilian casualties are excessive relative to any military advantage. Bombing a functioning elementary school full of children demonstrates either reckless disregard for civilian life or deliberate targeting — both of which meet the legal definition of war crimes under international humanitarian law. The United States cannot claim to defend freedom while violating the most fundamental rules of war. If international law is to mean anything, this attack must be independently investigated and those responsible must be held accountable before the world and the Hague.