UN Report Accuses Israel of Targeting Gaza Children, Warns of Famine

An independent UN International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israeli security forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, characterising the attacks as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes. The commission recorded at least 20,179 child deaths – about 30% of the total civilian toll – between 7 Oct 2023 and 7 Oct 2025, a higher proportion than in previous Gaza conflicts. It cited the use of high‑payload munitions in densely populated areas and collective targeting of civilians, stating: “The evidence shows that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by the Israeli security forces,” said commission chair Srinivasan Muralidhar.

Separately, UN agencies (FAO and WFP) warned that Gaza faces a renewed famine threat. Approximately 1.6 million people need urgent food assistance, with 571,000 in an emergency phase and 1,900 at risk of catastrophe. Community kitchens are overwhelmed, with residents reporting that “life has become nothing but queues.” The blockade and destruction of agricultural infrastructure have left nearly the entire population dependent on humanitarian aid, raising the spectre of widespread starvation despite a declared ceasefire.