Why were there so many civilian casualties in World War 2?

Civilian casualties in World War II were high due to several factors, including widespread bombing campaigns targeting cities, which aimed to disrupt enemy morale and industrial production. Additionally, the war involved brutal ground combat in populated areas, alongside genocidal policies such as the Holocaust that specifically targeted civilian populations. The use of total war strategies blurred the lines between combatants and non-combatants, leading to significant loss of life among civilians. Furthermore, the displacement of populations and wartime atrocities contributed to the staggering civilian death toll.