A United Nations inquiry has concluded that Israel continues to commit genocide in Gaza by deliberately targeting Palestinian children, arguing that the pattern of attacks has undermined the ability of Palestinians to survive and sustain their future as a people.
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The findings were published on Tuesday by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which examined alleged violations against Palestinian children since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. According to the report, children account for roughly 30% of those killed by Israeli forces during the conflict.
Findings of the Inquiry
The commission said evidence gathered during its investigation showed that Palestinian children had been intentionally targeted and killed by Israeli security forces. It stated that such incidents continued even after a ceasefire took effect in October 2025.
The report argued that these actions form part of the evidence supporting a finding of genocidal intent. It said Israeli authorities and security forces had sought to destroy the Palestinian population in Gaza, in whole or in part.
In a statement accompanying the report, commission chair Srinivasan Muralidhar said the evidence indicated that Palestinian children had been deliberately targeted and killed. He added that attacks on children weakened the capacity of Palestinians to continue as a people and shape their future.
Civilian Harm and Living Conditions
The inquiry said Israeli forces continued to use large munitions and weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated residential districts despite growing numbers of child casualties.
According to the commission, the continued use of such weapons suggested that attacks causing high numbers of child deaths were intentional. It also said Israeli forces appeared to treat the civilian population collectively as being linked to Hamas and other armed groups.
The report further examined living conditions in Gaza, stating that repeated displacement, widespread military operations and restrictions on aid, food and medicine had severely damaged children's health and development. It said these conditions contributed to preventable deaths and lasting psychological trauma.
Investigators also found that attacks on healthcare and reproductive facilities affected the survival of newborns and were linked to reports of increased miscarriages. The report added that nearly all children in Gaza were believed to require psychological support.
Israel Rejects the Allegations
Israel strongly rejected the commission's conclusions. Its mission in Geneva described the inquiry as a "libellous sham" and dismissed the accusations.
Israeli authorities have consistently denied claims of genocide throughout the conflict. The country has continued to receive diplomatic backing from allies including the United States and the United Kingdom.
Israel's response to the report also accused Hamas of systematically diverting humanitarian aid and fuel intended for hospitals. Hamas has denied those allegations, while Israel has itself faced accusations of restricting aid deliveries into Gaza.
Concerns Beyond Gaza
The inquiry also examined developments in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
It reported a sharp rise in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian children and documented cases of torture and sexual and gender-based violence during arrests and detention.
According to the commission, Palestinian children, particularly boys, were subjected to practices including forced stripping, beatings and food deprivation while in custody. The report concluded that such treatment amounted to crimes against humanity, including torture and other inhumane acts causing serious suffering and injury.
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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 24 June 2026
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