Israel-Iran Conflict: Human Cost Mounts as G7 Prepares Emergency Talks in Quebec
The Israel-Iran conflict has entered its fourth day, with civilians bearing the brunt of the violence. The G7 summit will discuss humanitarian aid and civilian protection.;

The Middle East is witnessing one of its most intense conflicts in recent history, and it is civilians who are paying the highest price on either side of this conflict. As Israel and Iran continue to trade missile and drone attacks for a fourth straight day, people in both countries are grappling with mounting casualties, shattered infrastructure, and deepening public fear. The global community is taking notice as the G7 summit, which begins on June 17 in Quebec, Canada, has placed the humanitarian fallout of this conflict high on its agenda. The world leaders are expected to discuss not just the military standoff, but also the means to bring in humanitarian aid and protect civilian lives from further destruction.
In Israel, at least 24 civilians have lost their lives so far, and over 500 have been injured as Iranian missiles struck several cities, including Tel Aviv, Haifa, Petah Tikva, and Ramat Gan. For many families, the past few nights have meant fleeing to bomb shelters, comforting terrified children, and watching homes reduced to rubble. The emergency services are working around the clock. “We are seeing entire families with burns, shrapnel wounds, and emotional trauma. The hospitals are overwhelmed,” says Dr. Meital Arad, an emergency room physician in Tel Aviv. Schools are shut and markets are left damaged, with even parts of Ben Gurion Airport having seen widespread disruption. Repeated air sirens also mean a shattered rhythm of daily life.
Iran has also faced a fair share of devastating losses from Israeli airstrikes, particularly in Tehran, Isfahan, and Kermanshah. The Iranian government has reported 224 deaths, though some human rights groups estimate the real figure may be significantly higher. Over 1,200 people have been injured, many of them women, children, and elderly residents.
Entire neighborhoods in Tehran have been vacated. “We left our home with just our clothes and ID cards,” said a father of three, now taking shelter at a school-turned-relief camp. “We could hear the blasts all night.”
One of the most tragic strikes hit Farabi Hospital, where several patients and healthcare workers died. Another missile hit Iran’s state-run television building while it was broadcasting live, killing multiple journalists and technicians.
Fuel shortages, power outages, and internet disruptions have further complicated rescue and relief work. Over 100,000 residents are believed to have fled the capital in search of safety.
Global human rights and humanitarian organisations continue to voice grave concerns. Agnès Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International, said in a statement, “We are witnessing violations of international humanitarian law in real time. Hospitals, residential buildings, and media offices are not military targets. Civilians must never be used as pawns in war.”
Meanwhile, the United Nations has called for an immediate ceasefire and the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow aid workers and medical supplies to reach affected areas. Martin Griffiths, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, has stated, “Both sides must put the protection of civilians first. The images and reports coming from both Israel and Iran are deeply troubling.”
At the upcoming G7 meeting in Quebec, leaders will discuss possible evacuation efforts, joint aid missions, and diplomatic strategies to prevent further escalation. But India, which maintains long-standing relationships with both Israel and Iran, is watching the situation more closely. So far, there has been no advisory issued for the Indian diaspora, but the Ministry of External Affairs is monitoring developments. This conflict is already affecting global energy prices. With oil markets reacting nervously, India could see a knock-on effect in fuel costs and supply chain stability. More broadly, India’s diplomatic approach will be tested in balancing ties with both countries while advocating for peace and civilian safety.
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