10/02/2025
No, civilians are not allowed to "break" a military siege by directly engaging with the blockading forces. However, if a military siege violates international humanitarian law (IHL) by, for example, starving civilians, then international bodies, neutral states, and neutral citizens can advocate for and provide neutral, impartial, and indispensable humanitarian aid to the civilian population under siege.
Restrictions on Civilians and Sieges
Siege as a Tactic: Sieges, which involve encirclement and bombardment, are not inherently prohibited under international law, according to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Limits on Siege Warfare: International Humanitarian Law (IHL) does, however, impose significant restrictions to protect civilians during a siege:
Starvation: Deliberately starving civilians is prohibited and considered a war crime.
Destruction of Essential Objects: It is forbidden to destroy objects indispensable for the survival of the civilian population.
Indiscriminate Attacks: Attacks that fail to distinguish between military targets and civilians are forbidden.
Collective Punishment: Collective punishments are prohibited.
Allowed Civilian Actions and Humanitarian Aid
Evacuation of Vulnerable Groups: The law encourages local agreements for the evacuation of the sick, wounded, infirm, and pregnant women from besieged areas.
Access for Relief Actions: The passage of purely humanitarian and impartial relief, essential for the survival of the civilian population, must be permitted and unimpeded.
Neutral Actors: Diplomatic agents and citizens of neutral states have the right to leave a besieged area, unless fighting is ongoing.
The Role of International Bodies
Advocacy: International bodies and NGOs work to limit the effects of siege warfare and ensure compliance with IHL.
Humanitarian Access: Organizations like the ICRC and others facilitate and advocate for access for humanitarian aid to besieged populations.
