Attacking schools and civilians is a clear violation of humanitarian law

According to the Taghrib News Agency, Fatima Miqdad, an Iraqi university professor, at the fourth international webinar of Muslim Women titled "The Angels of Minab; The Cry of Oppression," organized by the World Forum for Proximity of Islamic Schools of Thought, referring to the verses of the Holy Quran about defense against aggression, emphasized that while Islam affirms the right to legitimate self-defense, it prohibits any transgression against civilians, including women, children, and the elderly.

Citing verse 190 of Surah Al-Baqarah, she stated that the Holy Quran calls upon Muslims to confront aggressors, but at the same time prohibits aggression against civilians and protected groups.

Miqdad also, referring to Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, emphasized the right of countries to self-defense against armed attacks and said: "International humanitarian law also recognizes confronting aggression within the framework of the principles of necessity, proportionality, and compliance with humanitarian rules."

This Iraqi university professor, citing verse 60 of Surah Al-Anfal, described the readiness of nations to defend themselves against threats as a Quranic teaching and added: "Societies are composed of military and civilian forces, and according to the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocols, civilians have special protection, and targeting them in armed conflicts is prohibited."

She emphasized that the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the 1977 Additional Protocols have made respect for the life and dignity of civilians obligatory and have prohibited actions such as willful killing, torture, and collective punishments.

Miqdad, referring to the attacks on civilian centers and service infrastructure, stated: "Recent events and the attack on educational and service facilities have raised serious questions about the extent of the commitment of human rights claimants to international laws and obligations."

She also, referring to the attack on "Al-Shajara Al-Tayyeba" school and the death of approximately 180 students, described this incident as an example of a clear violation of the principles of humanitarian law and emphasized the necessity of the international community's attention to the protection of civilians, especially children.

In another part of her remarks, referring to the developments in the region, this Iraqi university professor called for the vigilance of Islamic nations against what she called "the repeated violation of international laws and human values."

In conclusion, referring to the concepts of sacrifice, resistance, and justice-seeking in Islamic culture, she emphasized that today's events in the region are a reminder of the necessity of defending the rights of nations and confronting oppression and aggression at any time and place.