An inquiry conducted by a United Nations (UN) commission has concluded that Israel has deliberately targeted children in Gaza as part of a broader strategy to dismantle the Palestinian presence in the region. The commission’s findings point to acts of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, encompassing East Jerusalem and Israel, asserted that there are “reasonable grounds” to believe that Israel’s actions are part of a calculated effort to undermine the future of Palestinians by directly targeting their children. The commission is chaired by Senior Advocate and former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Dr. S Muralidhar.
“Israel has engaged in two distinct methods of targeting Palestinian children in Gaza,” the report states. “Firstly, by directly shooting at their vital organs using precision weapons, such as quadcopters and snipers. Secondly, through the deployment of high-impact weapons that result in extensive and systematic assaults on residential areas, schools, and refugee camps crowded with children.”
The commission also holds Israel accountable for failing to protect Palestinian children from Israeli military personnel and settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. This failure has reportedly allowed and encouraged ongoing settler violence, which serves to entrench settlements, annex Palestinian land, and displace Palestinians.
According to the commission’s findings, between October 7, 2023, and October 7, 2025, at least 20,179 children lost their lives, and 44,143 were injured due to the hostilities in Gaza. The report highlights that among the deceased, 5,031 were under five years old, including 1,029 infants under the age of one and 420 newborns. The report also notes the existence of unmarked graves and missing children.
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The report indicates that these killings persisted even after an October 2025 ceasefire and underscores Israel’s responsibility for the resulting orphan crisis. Additionally, the commission documented instances of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinian children, often occurring during arrests or detentions.
The report further discusses the devastating impact of attacks on hospitals, schools, and other civilian infrastructures on children’s well-being. The destruction of healthcare facilities has led to increased infant health risks and long-term medical complications. Additionally, Israel’s blockade and siege have exacerbated issues of malnutrition, disease, and food insecurity among Palestinian children.
The commission urges the UN Security Council to impose a complete ban on “military-related trade with Israel” and recommends comprehensive sanctions against Israeli officials and military commanders potentially responsible for international crimes committed in Gaza since October 2023.
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The report also calls on UN member states to enforce International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants, investigate suspected crimes, and impose sanctions on Israeli officials and extremist settlers linked to abuses against Palestinian children. It emphasizes the need for countries to halt arms transfers that could facilitate violations of international law, apply pressure on Israel to lift the Gaza siege and allow humanitarian aid, support accountability for victims, and advocate for an inclusive political process that honors Palestinian self-determination and long-term peace.
Furthermore, the commission recommends listing Israeli settlers as “persistent perpetrators” of child killing, maiming, and sexual violence in the next annual report on children and armed conflict, presented by the UN Secretary-General.
