What defines war crimes?

War crimes are defined as serious violations of international humanitarian law during armed conflicts. This encompasses acts that directly harm individuals who are not participating in hostilities, such as civilians, prisoners of war, and the wounded. These violations include but are not limited to willful killing, torture, inhumane treatment, and taking hostages. The importance of this definition is underscored by the need for accountability in conflicts and the protection of human rights. Recognizing such acts as war crimes is critical in maintaining international order and justice, as they threaten the fundamental principles of humanity.

In contrast, minor violations of military protocol are not classified at the level of severity required to be considered war crimes. Strategic errors, while they might impact military outcomes, do not fall under humanitarian law violations. Disagreements between military leaders pertain to operational decisions rather than actions that contravene established laws of war. Hence, the only option that accurately identifies the nature of war crimes is the one related to serious breaches of international humanitarian law.