GENEVA: An independent United Nations inquiry stated that Israeli authorities have systematically and deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza as part of an ongoing genocide.
The findings came in a report by the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. The commission examined violations against Palestinian children since the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war on October 7, 2023.
The report said children accounted for about 30% of those killed during the conflict. It estimated that at least 20,179 children died between October 2023 and October 2025.
According to the commission, Israeli forces continued using high-impact weapons in densely populated residential areas despite mounting child casualties. Investigators said the pattern indicated that attacks causing large numbers of child deaths were intentional.
Israel Rejects Allegations
Israel strongly rejected the findings and described the report as defamatory. Israel’s mission in Geneva said the country “dismisses this libelous sham” and accused the commission of ignoring Hamas’ actions during the conflict.
Israeli officials said the military consistently sought to minimize civilian harm, including harm to children. They also rejected allegations that Israeli forces deliberately targeted minors.
The commission said attacks, repeated displacement and restrictions on aid severely damaged children’s health and development in Gaza. It added that nearly all children in the territory now require psychological support.
Findings Extend to West Bank
The inquiry also reported a sharp rise in violence against Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Investigators documented allegations of torture and systematic mistreatment of Palestinian children in detention. The report cited forced stripping, beatings and food deprivation, particularly affecting boys.
The commission concluded that some practices amounted to crimes against humanity. Israel said the report failed to account for the security threats its forces face in the West Bank.
The latest findings follow an earlier commission report that also accused Israel of genocide in Gaza, allegations that Israel has repeatedly denied.