UN Says Israeli Settlers Risk Blacklist for Grave Child Abuse

The United Nations’ 2025 Children and Armed Conflict report documented a record 38,558 grave violations against children, affecting 24,174 youngsters worldwide. It recorded 14,224 children killed or maimed, a 34 % rise from the previous year, including 6,266 deaths. The Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel accounted for the highest number of verified violations. Israeli forces were linked to 9,465 violations and Israeli settler groups to 326.

U.N. Secretary‑General António Guterres warned that if the current pattern continues, settler groups could be added to a global blacklist for grave violations against children. He said, “I am appalled by the magnitude of grave violations against children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.” Blacklisting would carry reputational consequences and require action plans for delisting, though it does not trigger automatic sanctions.