The United Nations inquiry on Tuesday accused Israeli authorities and security forces of deliberately targeting Palestinian children during the Gaza war. The report concluded that these actions amounted to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The findings carry significant implications for international accountability efforts and the ongoing debate over civilian protection in conflict zones.
The report was issued by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. It examined alleged violations against Palestinian children since the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. According to the inquiry, children accounted for roughly 30 percent of all deaths recorded during the conflict period under review.
Israel utterly rejects this latest libelous sham, as well as all of the COI’s other defamatory reports.
To those seeking the truth, learn more about the report’s fatal flaws at: https://t.co/mBcMVhA3xW pic.twitter.com/H3WposT6ft
— Israel in UN/Geneva🇮🇱🇺🇳 (@IsraelinGeneva) June 23, 2026
Investigators found that at least 20,179 children were killed between October 2023 and October 2025. The commission said Israeli forces continued using high-payload munitions in densely populated areas despite growing child casualties. It argued that the scale and pattern of deaths indicated children were deliberately targeted, which it cited as evidence supporting allegations of genocidal intent.
The inquiry also examined humanitarian conditions in Gaza and reported severe impacts on children’s health and development. It said repeated displacement, attacks, and restrictions on aid contributed to preventable deaths, psychological trauma, and worsening living conditions. The report further stated that attacks on healthcare facilities affected newborn survival rates and increased pregnancy-related complications.
Israel strongly rejected the findings, describing the report as defamatory and politically motivated. Israeli officials said their forces take measures to minimize civilian harm and accused Hamas of exploiting civilian areas and diverting humanitarian assistance. The inquiry additionally documented alleged abuses against Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank, including mistreatment during detention and increased violence by Israeli settlers.