The report, issued by the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, examined violations against Palestinian children since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7, 2023.
According to the commission, around 30% of those killed in Gaza during the conflict were children. It estimated that at least 20,179 children were killed between October 2023 and October 2025, a proportion higher than in previous Gaza conflicts.
The inquiry stated that Israeli forces continued using high-payload munitions and wide-area weapons in densely populated areas despite rising child casualties. It concluded that Palestinian children were deliberately targeted and that these actions formed part of evidence suggesting genocidal intent.
Commission Chair Srinivasan Muralidhar said the evidence showed Palestinian children had been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli security forces, arguing that such actions undermined the future existence of the Palestinian people.
The report also highlighted the impact of repeated displacement, widespread destruction and restrictions on aid, food and medicine, saying these conditions caused severe harm to children’s health and development. It noted increased miscarriages, attacks on healthcare facilities and widespread psychological trauma among children in Gaza.
In the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, the commission reported a sharp rise in violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinian children. It also documented allegations of torture, sexual and gender-based violence, forced stripping, beatings and food deprivation during detention, particularly involving Palestinian boys.
The inquiry concluded that such treatment amounted to crimes against humanity, including torture and other inhumane acts causing serious suffering.
Israel rejected the report, describing it as a “defamatory” and “libelous sham.” In a statement issued by its mission in Geneva, Israel said it strongly denied accusations that it deliberately targets children and argued that the report ignored Hamas’ actions and tactics.
Israeli officials also said the report failed to acknowledge measures taken to facilitate vaccinations, medical assistance and field hospitals in Gaza. Israel further accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid and fuel intended for hospitals, a claim Hamas has denied.
The findings add to growing international scrutiny of the humanitarian impact of the conflict, while Israel continues to reject allegations of genocide and intentional attacks on civilians.
