GENEVA: A UN inquiry has said that Israeli authorities and security forces intentionally targeted Palestinian children, leading to alleged genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Gaza, as well as war crimes in the occupied West Bank.
The information came from an independent UN commission that reviewed events since the conflict between Israel and Hamas began on October 7, 2023, Reuters reported.
Children made up a large share of the people killed during the war. The commission said at least 20,179 Palestinian children lost their lives between October 2023 and October 2025. It stated that children accounted for about 30 percent of the total deaths during this period.
Read more: 10 nations including Pakistan issue strong joint statement against Israel’s Flotilla action
Many children faced difficult living conditions because of ongoing fighting, repeated displacement, and shortages of food, medicine, and aid. Researchers noted that these conditions affected children health, education, and mental well-being. They added that many children now need psychological support because of the trauma caused by the conflict.
In addition, the commission reported concerns about healthcare services in Gaza. It said attacks on medical facilities and disruptions in healthcare created risks for newborn babies and pregnant women. The report also highlighted a rise in health complications among families living in the war zone.
In the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, the commission reported an increase in violence involving Palestinian children. It also raised concerns about the treatment of children during arrests and detention.
Israel strongly rejected the report and described its findings as unfair and inaccurate. Israeli officials said their forces do not deliberately target children and that the report failed to consider the security threats posed by Hamas. Israel also said it has taken steps to reduce harm to civilians and support medical and humanitarian efforts.
Although this can be expected to add to international discussions about the humanitarian impact of the conflict and the need to protect children during times of war.
