A newly released report by a United Nations inquiry has accused Israeli authorities and security forces of deliberately targeting Palestinian children during the ongoing conflict in Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.
The findings describe the alleged conduct as amounting to genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, though Israel has strongly rejected the claims.
The report was issued by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. It examined events linked to the war between Hamas and Israel since October 7, 2023.
Commission Says Children Accounted for a Large Share of Gaza Deaths
According to the commission’s findings, children made up around 30% of those killed in Gaza between October 2023 and October 2025.
The report states that at least 20,179 children were killed during that period, a proportion it describes as significantly higher than in previous rounds of fighting in the territory.
The inquiry compared these figures with earlier conflicts in Gaza, noting that children accounted for roughly 24% of fatalities in the 2008–2009 and 2014 escalations.
It also claims that the use of high-impact munitions in densely populated areas contributed to the scale of child casualties, despite repeated warnings about civilian harm.
Allegations of Intentional Targeting and Genocidal Conduct
One of the most serious conclusions in the report is the assertion that Palestinian children were deliberately targeted by Israeli security forces. The commission argues that the pattern of strikes and the scale of child deaths may indicate intent.
“The evidence shows that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by the Israeli security forces,” said Srinivasan Muralidhar, chair of the commission.
The report further suggests that such actions could form part of a broader intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, in whole or in part, which it links to allegations of genocidal conduct.
It also states that children may have been targeted collectively due to assumptions that civilians were associated with armed groups.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have previously rejected similar accusations, calling them baseless and politically motivated.
Israel Rejects Findings and Defends Its Conduct in War
Israel strongly rejected the report, describing it as defamatory and inaccurate. Israel’s mission in Geneva dismissed the findings and insisted that its military operations comply with international law.
Officials argued that the report ignores what they describe as the tactics of Hamas and said Israel takes steps to minimise harm to civilians, including children.
The Israeli response also pointed to efforts such as facilitating medical aid and vaccinations, while accusing Hamas of diverting humanitarian supplies. Hamas has rejected those allegations.
Impact on Children’s Health and Humanitarian Conditions in Gaza
Beyond direct casualties, the report highlights what it describes as severe humanitarian consequences for children in Gaza.
It cites repeated displacement, shortages of food and medicine, and widespread destruction of infrastructure as contributing factors to long-term harm.
The commission also reports damage to hospitals and reproductive healthcare services, suggesting these disruptions have affected newborn survival rates and contributed to increased miscarriages.
It adds that nearly all children in Gaza may require psychological support due to trauma.
West Bank Violence and Allegations of Abuse in Detention
The inquiry also examined conditions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, where it reports a rise in violence involving Israeli settlers and Palestinian children.
It documents allegations of mistreatment of minors during arrests and detention, including beatings, forced stripping, food deprivation, and other forms of abuse. In some cases, it describes the conduct as torture and inhumane treatment.
Israel rejects these findings, arguing that the report omits context regarding ongoing security threats and the actions of armed groups in the territory.
Deepening Dispute Over Accountability and Interpretation
The findings have intensified an already highly contested international debate over conduct in the war.
The commission maintains that the evidence points to serious violations of international law, while Israel insists the conclusions are distorted and ignore the realities of a complex battlefield.
As the conflict continues, both sides remain firmly opposed in their interpretations of events, with international scrutiny over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions continuing to grow.
