UN inquiry finds Israel committed genocide and war crimes against Palestinian children
A United Nations commission of inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity against Palestinian children in Gaza, noting that approximately 30 per cent of those killed since October 2023 were minors.
A United Nations commission of inquiry has released a report accusing Israel of systematically targeting Palestinian children in Gaza, stating that these actions amount to genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. The commission’s findings, released on Tuesday, detail allegations that Israeli forces have destroyed orphanages and schools, arbitrarily arrested children, and subjected them to torture and sexual abuse in detention. The report further notes that these violations occurred in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The inquiry highlights that approximately 30 per cent of those killed in Gaza since the war began in October 2023 were children. According to UNICEF estimates, more than 50,000 children have been killed or wounded since the conflict started. The commission identifies attacks on maternity and neonatal units, alongside an aid blockade, as critical factors that have devastated children’s chances of survival.
The report documents that Israeli forces have destroyed educational and care facilities, including orphanages and schools. It states that Palestinian children have been arbitrarily arrested, tortured, and subjected to sexual abuse in detention. The commission asserts that these actions constitute war crimes in the occupied West Bank and genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The inquiry warns that killings and serious injuries against children have continued even after the October 2025 ceasefire. Data indicates that at least one Palestinian child has been killed on average every day in the eight months since the truce took effect. The commission describes these ongoing violations as occurring in defiance of international law.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas began in October 2023, leading to a ceasefire agreement implemented in October 2025. The UN commission of inquiry is a body tasked with investigating alleged violations of international law. While the term genocide is used here as an accusation by the UN commission, final legal adjudication rests with international courts. Casualty figures are based on UNICEF estimates and may vary as data collection continues.
