After eight months of combat in Gaza, during which over 13,000 children are claimed to have died, both Israeli and Palestinian forces have come under heavy criticism for their behavior, according to a UN assessment. This declaration was made soon after nearly 40 Palestinians, including children, were killed in an Israeli bombing of a UN school in Gaza. The study also emphasized Hamas' involvement in the murder and abduction of minors during the October 7 onslaught on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of close to 1,200 Israelis.
Human rights officials have noted that political pressure had kept Israel off the list in the past, despite confirmed abuses. Director of Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict Ezequiel Heffes highlighted the long history of atrocities by Palestinian armed organizations as well as Israeli government troops.
Israel's UN ambassador, Gilad Erdan, responded by denouncing the decision, calling it disgusting and claiming that it will only benefit Hamas and enable terrorists.
The UN special representative for children in conflict, Virginia Gamba, put together the study, which tackles serious problems like kidnapping, killing, and maiming children in addition to attacks on hospitals and schools. The list's objective is to identify and stigmatize offenders in an effort to end child abuse.
Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, denounced the UN's action and charged that it was aiding Hamas. Israel's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, issued a warning, stating that this move will worsen Israel's already strained ties with the UN, especially with UNRWA, which provides assistance to Palestinian refugees.
Regarding Israel's listing, the UN Secretary-General's office has not yet provided a statement.
The UN report's inclusion of Israel is a significant framework designed to shield kids from the terrible consequences of armed war. After a state or group is cited, the UN works with them to put preventative measures in place. The choice has provoked strong feelings and brought attention to how complicated the Israeli-Palestinian relationship is. It is hoped that these studies will highlight the critical need for all parties to put children's safety and wellbeing first amid the chaos, leading to significant efforts to safeguard children and lessen the human cost of protracted hostilities.