UN Commission: Israel Deliberately Targets Children in Gaza

Moscow (ANTARA) - Israeli authorities and security forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children in acts that constitute genocide and war crimes, according to the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. “Evidence shows that Palestinian children have been intentionally targeted and killed by Israeli security forces,” Commission Chair Srinivasan Muralidhar said at a press conference in Geneva on Tuesday (23/6). Muralidhar stated that Israel continues to disregard the ceasefire and children are still being killed by Israel. The independent UN commission reiterated that the deliberate targeting of children is one of the key elements confirming “genocidal intent” by Israeli authorities to destroy Palestinians in whole or in part in the Gaza Strip. The statement also noted that attacks on maternity hospitals and postnatal care centres, as well as the destruction of orphanages and schools, are undermining the future foundations of Palestinian society. The UN commission also identified military units within the Israeli security forces responsible for the killing and wounding of Palestinian children. Since 7 October 2023, the conflict between Hamas fighters and Israel has killed more than 70,000 Palestinians and wounded over 170,000 others. According to Israeli authorities, at least 1,200 Israelis have died as a result of the war.