UN Commission Report Accuses Israel of Deliberate Attacks on Palestinian Children

A United Nations‑mandated Independent International Commission of Inquiry released a 94‑page report to the UN Human Rights Council, concluding that Israeli forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza and the West Bank. The commission said the attacks constitute a key element of genocidal intent, quoting its chair, Srinivasan Muralidhar: “By attacking children, Israel is attacking the very capacity of the Palestinian people to exist.”

The document records at least 20,179 child deaths and 44,143 injuries between 7 Oct 2023 and 7 Oct 2025, representing roughly 30 % of all fatalities. It details specific incidents, such as a 15‑year‑old shot while holding a white flag and 5‑year‑old Hind Rajab killed after her family’s vehicle was hit. The commission also cites attacks on neonatal and maternity services, the blockade‑induced famine, and the use of wide‑area explosive weapons that increased child casualties.

Israel rejected the findings as defamatory and emphasized Hamas’s use of children as human shields. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has noted “growing evidence” of genocide in Gaza. The report calls for accountability and urges an immediate halt to policies that endanger children.