The United Nations Child Rights Committee (CRC) has issued a condemnation of Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, citing severe breaches of children’s rights as protected by the Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). The committee’s statement highlights “indiscriminate and disproportionate attacks” by Israeli forces that have resulted in the deaths, injuries, and orphaning of a significant number of Palestinian children.
Customary international humanitarian law requires special respect and protection for children affected by armed conflict. However, Israel has argued that such humanitarian laws do not apply to Gaza and the West Bank, and criticized the CRC’s findings as being part of a “politically-driven agenda,” according to a government statement quoted by Reuters.
In its report, the CRC echoed the International Court of Justice’s position that the UNCRC applies to all children under territories where Israel exercises effective control. The committee emphasized that Israel’s dismissal of the Convention does not excuse its significant violations of human rights law, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of Palestinian children.
The CRC expressed grave concerns over the negative impacts of Israel’s military presence and occupational policies on Palestinian children’s rights to housing, adequate living standards, food, water, sanitation, and healthcare. Strong condemnation was also directed at attacks on civilian targets in the Gaza Strip.
Further alarming issues included the abduction, arbitrary arrest, and prolonged detention of many Palestinian children by Israeli forces, often without charge or access to legal representation. The CRC called for an immediate end to these detentions and for reforms to prevent the mistreatment of detained children.
High casualties have been reported: Ismail Thawabteh, from Gaza’s government media office, reported that over 16,480 Palestinian children have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. British aid group Save the Children estimates that approximately 17,000 children are unaccompanied with around 4,000 children possibly missing under rubble.
UN experts have called for adherence to international humanitarian laws, stressing the need to protect the rights to education and safety of Gaza’s children. In May, they also denounced ongoing violence against Palestinian women and children. UN Secretary-General António Guterres reported a 155% increase in violations of international law against children in the region.
The CRC, consisting of 18 independent experts, remains committed to monitoring and ensuring the implementation of the 1989 UNCRC.