Published on: 2026-06-23
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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June 23, 2026 International law
Israeli authorities and security forces continue to commit actions against Palestinian children that may qualify as crimes against humanity and war crimes. This is stated in a new report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the investigation of the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, and in Israel.
Last year, the Commission already came to the conclusion that there are signs of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. According to new data, the scale and systematic nature of Israeli military operations have led to unprecedented levels of death, injury, and psychological trauma among children. Even after the announcement of a ceasefire regime in October 2025, children continue to die and sustain severe injuries, noted the independent experts.
“The evidence shows that Palestinian children have become targets of deliberate attacks and killings by Israeli security forces,” said Commission Chairperson Shrinivasan Muralidhar.
Hamas Crimes
Speaking today before journalists, members of the Commission also recalled the severe violations by Hamas against Israeli children.
“Five teenagers – one girl and four boys aged 16–17 – came early in the morning that Saturday to the Zikim beach. Probably, they just wanted to spend time by the sea, swim and relax, when a Hamas boat approached the shore and shooting began. The teenagers rushed to seek shelter in the toilet building. An adult fisherman and an Israeli soldier joined them, who tried to defend themselves. It turned out to be unsuccessful. The soldier was killed, the fisherman was killed, as were all five teenagers,” said Commission expert Chris Sidoti about the events of October 7, 2023.
Consequences for life
The report states that in the course of the recent hostilities in Gaza, Palestinian children faced severe physical and psychological consequences of the war, including injuries, the death of parents, separation from families, disability, repeated displacement, hunger, destruction of healthcare systems, wounds, and disruption of education.
The commission confirms that Palestinian children were subjected to arrest, torture, and cruel treatment in Israeli detention facilities. The report also contains accusations of sexual violence against minors.
According to the authors of the document, strikes on maternity hospitals and neonatal departments in Gaza have negatively affected infant mortality and reproductive health indicators of the population. The commission also links the Israeli blockade to the increase in cases of miscarriages and congenital pathologies, as well as the deterioration of children’s health due to malnutrition and limited access to medical care.
Destruction of the education system
The report notes that the destruction of children’s homes and educational infrastructure in Gaza and the West Bank hinders the normal development of children and undermines the foundations of Palestinian society.
“Even if the bombs and weapons go silent in Gaza and on the West Bank, Palestinian children will not be able to recover in one night,” emphasized Muralidhar. According to him, the damage inflicted on health, education, and development is irreversible.
The commission also warns about the long-term psychological consequences of the conflict. The document states that many children have lost their sense of security and faith in the future, and the traumas experienced may be passed on to the next generations.
Call to responsibility
The authors of the report believe that by striking children, Israel undermines the ability of the Palestinian people to preserve their identity and independently determine their future.
The Commission called on Israel to stop violations of the rights of Palestinian children and crimes against them, as well as to put an end to the ongoing Israeli presence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in accordance with the advisory opinion of the International Court of Justice.
The report names units of the Israeli security forces which, according to the investigation, may be involved in the deaths and injuries of Palestinian children. The Commission calls on Israel and UN member states to ensure the accountability of the perpetrators.
According to experts, issues of responsibility must become an integral part of any political process involving the full participation of Palestinians, including children.
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