UN says Israel continues genocide deliberately targeting Palestinian children

Geneva - One of the United Nations commissions has stated that Israeli authorities and security forces continue to commit genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes against Palestinians, deliberately targeting children in the Gaza Strip. In its latest report on Tuesday (23/6), the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, stated that the scale and systematic nature of Israel’s military operations have resulted in unprecedented death, injury, and trauma among Palestinian children. The commission said it has found evidence that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli forces. The targeting of children was cited as one of the key elements in proving genocidal intent. “Evidence shows that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli security forces,” said Commission Chair Srinivasan Muralidhar. “Even after the ceasefire in October 2025, children continue to be killed and severely injured, with Israel continuing to disregard the ceasefire and the protections that should be afforded to Palestinian children under international law,” he added. The report noted that Palestinian children have endured severe physical and psychological suffering, including trauma, orphanhood, repeated displacement, starvation, and the collapse of health and education services. The commission also accused Israeli authorities of torture, severe persecution, and sexual violence against Palestinian children in detention. According to the report, attacks on maternity and neonatal care facilities, compounded by starvation due to the blockade, have threatened the survival of newborns and contributed to rising cases of miscarriage, birth defects, and long-term health risks. Calling for accountability, the commission urged Israel to end violations against Palestinian children and asked the international community to fulfil its legal obligations, halt hostilities, and ensure justice for the victims.