DaysofPal- The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory has stated that Israel continues to commit the crime of genocide and other grave crimes through the deliberate targeting of Palestinian children.
The findings were presented in a new report published on Tuesday during the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
According to the report, “Israeli authorities and security forces are committing genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in the Gaza Strip through the deliberate targeting of Palestinian children,” while also committing war crimes in the occupied West Bank.
The commission noted that it had concluded last year that Israel committed the crime of genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and said that the large-scale and systematic Israeli attacks have continued.
The report stressed that the intentional targeting of children constitutes one of the key elements demonstrating an Israeli intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, in whole or in part.
It further warned that severe physical and psychological injuries, collective trauma, orphanhood, family separation, disabilities, repeated displacement, hunger, and the collapse of the education and healthcare sectors will have lifelong consequences for Gaza’s children.
The report also stated that Palestinian children are being detained in Israeli prisons and detention facilities, where they face sexual torture and other forms of cruel treatment, while information regarding the whereabouts of some children remains unavailable.
According to the commission, Israel’s targeting of maternity wards and neonatal care facilities in Gaza has directly affected the survival prospects of newborn infants and the future reproductive capacity of Palestinians.
The report further stated that Israel’s blockade and starvation policies have resulted in the deaths of Palestinian children from hunger and caused serious harm to the health of many others through the deprivation of essential nutrition.
It added that declining vaccination rates, food insecurity, and the destruction of healthcare services have significantly increased the risk of disease outbreaks.
The commission also pointed to the destruction of orphanages and educational institutions in both Gaza and the West Bank, saying it has hindered the cognitive, social, and emotional development of Palestinian children.
The report called on Israel to halt all violations and crimes committed against Palestinian children and stressed the need to end the Israeli presence in the occupied West Bank.
It also urged the international community to fulfill its legal obligations and take the necessary steps to end the conflict and Israeli occupation, while ensuring accountability for violations committed against victims, including Palestinian children.
The report noted that Israel began a genocide in the Gaza Strip on October 8, 2023, with U.S. support. According to the figures cited, the war has resulted in more than 73,000 deaths and over 173,000 injuries, while causing massive destruction to approximately 90 percent of civilian infrastructure.
It added that despite a ceasefire agreement that took effect on October 10, 2025, humanitarian conditions in Gaza have not improved due to Israel’s failure to fulfill its obligations under the agreement, including opening border crossings and allowing agreed quantities of humanitarian, relief, medical, and shelter assistance into the territory.
The report further stated that Israel continues to carry out daily violations through shelling and gunfire, resulting in the deaths of 1,021 Palestinians and injuries to 3,260 others since the ceasefire agreement entered into force.
Shortlink for this post: https://daysofpalestine.ps/?p=75633
