Geneva: Israel continues to commit genocide and other atrocity crimes by deliberately targeting Palestinian children, the UN International Commission of Inquiry reported. the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel stated that Israeli authorities and forces have intentionally targeted Palestinian children, leading to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in the Gaza Strip and war crimes in the West Bank.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the Commission, which previously concluded that Israel had committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, found that the extensive and systematic nature of Israeli military operations persists, resulting in unprecedented death, injury, and trauma among Palestinian children. The Commission emphasized that the deliberate targeting of children is a key element establishing genocidal intent by Israeli authorities to destroy the Palestinian group in Gaza, either wholly or partially.
Srinivasan Muralidhar, Chair of the Commission, highlighted, "The evidence shows that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli forces. Even after the October 2025 ceasefire, children continue to be killed and seriously injured, with Israel disregarding both the ceasefire and the protection owed to Palestinian children under international law."
The report outlined severe physical and mental injuries, mass trauma, orphanhood, and other consequences affecting Palestinian children in Gaza. It noted that these impacts erase childhood and will continue to affect them throughout their lives. The report also detailed the arrest and torture of Palestinian children in Israeli detention facilities, with no information on their whereabouts, and the use of sexual violence against children as part of a broader pattern of oppression.
Additionally, the report addressed Israel's targeting of neonatal and maternity care centers in Gaza, which has harmed newborns' survival and Palestinians' reproductive future. The Commission stressed that starvation due to blockade and siege has further caused child deaths and health issues due to food insecurity and destroyed health services.
The report also highlighted the dismantling of orphanages and educational facilities, disrupting the development of Palestinian children and hindering the foundations of Palestinian society. Muralidhar warned that even if hostilities cease, the destruction of Palestinian children's health, education, and development is irreversible.
The Commission urged Israel to stop violations against Palestinian children and called for an end to its presence in the occupied territories, in line with the International Court of Justice's advisory opinion. It identified Israeli military units responsible for child casualties and made recommendations for accountability and justice.
The international community was urged to uphold legal obligations, end hostilities, and prioritize justice for victims, emphasizing the need for Palestinian participation, including children, in political processes.