2023 saw a massive 122% increase in civilian deaths by explosives, highest in decade

Last year, a surge in explosive incidents resulted in the highest number of civilian casualties in over ten years, marking a troubling trend, reveals recent research by the UK-based charity, Action on Armed Violence (AOAV).

AOAV documented a staggering 122% increase in civilian fatalities caused by explosives in 2023, with major contributors being the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, along with unrest in Ukraine, Sudan, Myanmar, and Somalia.

International forums, including the UN, rely on AOAV’s research, which the charity has presented to the UK Parliament. In 2023, AOAV identified 7,307 explosive incidents globally, a significant rise from the 4,322 recorded the previous year. These attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 15,305 civilians, representing a 122% increase from 2022, with tens of thousands more sustaining injuries.

AOAV attributes a third of the global casualties to Israel’s war in Gaza, citing 920 explosive incidents leading to 9,334 fatalities. The charity acknowledges potential underreporting in its data but emphasizes the clear trends in explosive violence, relying on reputable media sources.

Israel’s military operation in response to Hamas attacks, beginning on October 7, also contributed to a drastic 226% increase in global air strikes, from 519 incidents in 2022 to 1,694 in 2023.

While Israel asserts unprecedented measures to prevent civilian casualties, AOAV’s research underscores the disproportionate impact on civilians when explosive weapons are used in populated areas. AOAV Director Iain Overton urges states to heed the stark warning presented by their data.

In 2023, state actors accounted for 77% of civilian casualties caused by explosives worldwide, with Israel identified as the most injurious state actor, responsible for over 1,000 attacks leading to 12,950 civilian casualties. Russia ranked second, causing 8,351 casualties through its war in Ukraine. Ongoing conflicts in Sudan, Myanmar, Syria, and Somalia also contributed to the highest civilian casualties recorded by AOAV since 2010.

Notably, non-state actors, including militants and proscribed groups, increased their use of explosive weapons, although AOAV recorded an 8% decrease in civilians killed by these entities.