UN: Israel continues to commit genocide by targeting children in Gaza
A United Nations independent investigation has concluded that Israel is committing genocide by deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza, according to a report published by The Guardian. The report, issued by the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry, examines violations of Palestinian children's rights since the start of the conflict in Gaza. It states that approximately 30% of those killed by Israeli forces were children. Previous reports from September indicated that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, being implicated in encouraging such actions. Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Israel has rejected these allegations, calling them a 'defamatory farce,' while receiving significant diplomatic support from allies like the US and the UK. Legal experts and human rights organizations, including UN researchers, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, have concluded that Israel aims to destroy Palestinians, including through analyses of UN investigations and global genocide experts. The UN report highlights that Palestinian childr
The situation in the Gaza Strip remains deeply troubling, with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issuing a stark warning that the supposed ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is nothing more than a "deadly illusion" for Palestinian children. According to UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, 265 Palestinian children have been killed since the October 2025 ceasefire agreement, with nearly all of them falling victim to Israeli forces. This figure is described as "absurd" and "destructive," raising serious doubts about the credibility of the ceasefire itself. Elder emphasized that the ongoing violence contradicts the very purpose of peace agreements and highlights a lack of political will to protect children. The UNICEF report underscores the grim reality that even during periods of supposed calm, children are still being targeted, often in ways that defy international law.
The report also reveals that the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with daily incidents of violence occurring despite the ceasefire. These clashes involve both the Israeli military and Hamas, with accusations of violating the terms of the truce. The UNICEF statement adds that beyond the fatalities, over 400 children have been injured, with some suffering severe wounds. Elder stressed the urgency of addressing this crisis, noting that the current level of child mortality is unacceptable and demands immediate intervention. The organization has also raised alarms about the limited availability of essential medicines, which exacerbates the dangers faced by injured children and increases the risk of infection, complications, and amputations.
The broader implications of the conflict extend far beyond Gaza. A separate UNICEF report highlighted that half of the world’s children are exposed to at least three overlapping climate hazards, such as heatwaves, floods, and droughts, which threaten their health, education, and survival. This report included striking imagery of children in Papua New Guinea swimming across rivers filled with crocodiles to reach school after a bridge collapsed due to heavy rain. The UNICEF executive director, Catherine Russell, noted that the climate crisis is intensifying the strain on infrastructure worldwide, with devastating effects on communities. She called for stronger measures to protect children from these environmental threats, urging governments and businesses to reduce emissions and enhance climate resilience.
At the same time, the United Nations has issued a comprehensive report detailing a record number of violations against children in conflict zones. Nearly 25,000 children were victims of grave violations, including killings, rape, and recruitment, with government forces now accounting for the majority of these abuses. The report, released by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, identified the Israeli military and its security forces as the leading perpetrators, with over 12,445 violations recorded. This marks a significant shift from previous years, where armed groups were primarily responsible. The report also noted a 34% increase in child killings compared to the previous year, highlighting the severity of the situation. The UN has verified the killing of 2,668 Palestinian children by Israeli forces in Gaza and 55 others in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The report calls for urgent action, emphasizing that the safety of children is not merely an aspiration but an obligation.
The issue of accountability has also come to light with allegations of war crimes against Israeli soldiers. One notable case involves Eitan Gilboa, an Israeli army reservist accused of participating in the demolition of civilian homes in Gaza. The Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) filed a complaint with Indian authorities, alleging that Gilboa engaged in actions that violated the Fourth Geneva Convention. Despite the seriousness of the charges, Gilboa reportedly fled India shortly after the complaint was filed, raising concerns about the effectiveness of international justice mechanisms. The HRF criticized the Indian government’s tepid response, arguing that it failed to uphold its legal obligations under the Geneva Conventions Act of 1960. This case reflects a broader pattern of impunity for alleged war criminals, especially those operating under state authority.
The UN has also expressed deep concern over the use of drones in conflict zones, citing the increasing risk of war crimes. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, warned that the proliferation of autonomous weapons systems, such as drones, poses a significant threat to civilian populations. In Sudan, for instance, over 1,000 civilians have been killed by indiscriminate drone strikes in 2025 alone. The ACLED database reported an 81% increase in drone attacks and a 600% surge in related deaths between 2024 and 2025. Türk argued that the reliance on drones undermines human control over military operations and risks escalating violence. He called for urgent international regulations to prevent the misuse of such technologies, emphasizing the need for legal frameworks that prioritize civilian protection.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has sparked a global outcry, with reports of systematic targeting of children by Israeli forces. A UN commission of inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide by deliberately attacking Palestinian children. The report, led by Srinivasan Muralidhar, stated that over 20,000 children have been killed and 44,000 injured since October 2023. The findings were met with strong condemnation, with the Israeli government dismissing the report as a "libelous sham." The UN has called for an independent investigation and greater transparency, stressing that the targeting of children violates fundamental principles of international law. The report also highlighted the psychological trauma suffered by children in Gaza, including the loss of family members, displacement, and the inability to receive adequate medical care.
The situation in Gaza is not isolated; it is part of a larger pattern of violence against children in conflict zones. From the Democratic Republic of the Congo to Myanmar, children are increasingly becoming victims of war, with government forces now playing a central role in perpetrating these atrocities. The UN has repeatedly called for stronger protections for children, urging states to adopt policies that prioritize their safety and well-being. However, the persistent failure to hold perpetrators accountable suggests that systemic issues remain unresolved. As the conflict continues, the international community faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to safeguard the most vulnerable members of society. The fate of children in Gaza and elsewhere depends on whether the global community is willing to confront the realities of modern warfare and commit to meaningful change.
Go to the primary sources (1)
The official sources this coverage is built on. Read them directly to bypass framing.
The UNICEF representative James Elder stated during a press conference in Geneva that the ceasefire in Gaza is a 'deadly illusion' for Palestinian children, noting that 265 children have been killed since October 2025. He emphasized that nearly all of these deaths were caused by Israeli forces through airstrikes, bombs, or drones. The report highlights ongoing violence in Gaza despite the declared ceasefire.
Bias read (Left): The article presents UNICEF's perspective, which frames the ceasefire as a 'deadly illusion' due to continued violence against Palestinian children. The emphasis on Israeli military actions as the cause of most child fatalities suggests a critical stance toward Israel's conduct, aligning with a left
Why these scores (Factual 85 · Objective 70): The article provides specific figures (265 children killed) and attributes them to Israeli forces, but does not cite independent verification of these numbers. The claim that the ceasefire is a 'deadly illusion' is strong and potentially biased, though the overall reporting aligns with cross-source
ABC News (US)IndependentCenterFactual 75Objective 7015 days ago
A new United Nations report reveals that nearly 25,000 children were victims of record numbers of violations in conflicts last year, with government forces being the main perpetrators for the first time. The report includes violations such as killings, rape, recruitment into fighting, abductions, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian aid. The report was based on verified U.N. data and lists government forces from eight nations and 67 armed groups from 16 countries and territories as violators.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information from a United Nations report without apparent ideological framing. It does not take a stance on the issue, merely relays the findings and quotes officials. There is no indication of biased language, selective sourcing, or omission of context.
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 70): The article accurately reports the U.N. report's findings about increased violations against children in conflict, citing specific numbers and perpetrators. However, it introduces details not present in the primary source such as the Israeli military being 'top' and mentions Sudan, South Sudan, Syri
Middle East EyeIndependentLeftFactual 75Objective 6015 days ago
An Israeli army reservist, Eitan Gilboa, is believed to have fled India shortly after the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF) filed a complaint alleging he committed war crimes in Gaza. The foundation claims Gilboa participated in the destruction of civilian homes in Khan Younis and Rafah, which were documented in videos and photos shared online. The complaint was filed with Indian authorities two weeks prior to the report.
Bias read (Left): The article presents allegations of war crimes and references the recognition of Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide by the UN and other organizations. It emphasizes the actions of an individual soldier and uses terms like 'crimes against humanity,' which align with left-leaning perspectives on the
Why these scores (Factual 75 · Objective 60): The article presents specific details about Eitan Gilboa allegedly fleeing India after war crime allegations, citing an anonymous lawyer. However, there is no confirmation of his actual departure from India, only speculation. The claim that Israel's war in Gaza has been recognized as a genocide by t
The Washington TimesParty-alignedCenterFactual 70Objective 6515 days ago
A United Nations report reveals that nearly 25,000 children were victims of record violations in conflicts last year, with government forces being the main perpetrators for the first time. The report lists government forces from eight nations and 67 armed groups from 16 countries and territories as violators. The total number of violations increased for the fourth consecutive year to 38,558, affecting 24,174 children, many of whom experienced multiple violations. The U.N. calls for stronger action to protect children in conflict.
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual information from a U.N. report without apparent ideological framing. It does not favor any political side, merely relays the findings and quotes U.N. officials calling for action. There is no evident slant in language, sourcing, or emphasis.
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 65): This article closely mirrors the content of article 0, repeating the same statistics and claims. It lacks original reporting but presents facts accurately. The objectivity score is slightly lower due to similar editorializing and emphasis on the significance of the findings.
Middle East EyeIndependentLeftFactual 70Objective 5515 days ago
An Israeli army reservist, Eitan Gilboa, is believed to have fled India following allegations of war crimes by the Hind Rajab Foundation (HRF). The foundation claims Gilboa was involved in the destruction of residential areas in Gaza, which he documented in videos and photos shared online. A lawyer associated with the case suggested Gilboa left India shortly after the complaint was filed.
Bias read (Left): The article presents allegations of war crimes committed by an Israeli military reservist without providing counter-narratives or context from Israeli officials or defense sources. It emphasizes the accusations made by the Hind Rajab Foundation, a group critical of Israeli actions in Gaza, and does
Why these scores (Factual 70 · Objective 55): This article repeats similar information to the first but lacks additional sourcing or clarification. It still relies on an anonymous lawyer's claim without independent verification. The reference to the UN recognizing Israel's actions as genocide is problematic as it oversimplifies a complex and di
ORF NewsState / PublicLeftFactual 60Objective 7014 days ago
UNICEF has criticized the ceasefire declared in October in the Gaza Strip as a 'deadly illusion' for children and teenagers. According to UNICEF spokesperson James Elder, 265 minors have been killed since the ceasefire was announced, with over 90% of these deaths attributed to Israeli attacks. Some children were also killed by unexploded ordnance found in the rubble of Gaza. Elder emphasized that the continued high number of child fatalities during the ceasefire should alarm all governments and institutions claiming to uphold international law, stating there is a lack of political will to end
Bias read (Left): The article presents UNICEF’s perspective, which frames the ceasefire as ineffective and highlights the disproportionate impact on children, primarily due to Israeli actions. The language used—such as 'tödliche Illusion' ('deadly illusion') and criticism of the lack of political will—suggests a left
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 70): The article focuses on the Gaza conflict rather than climate issues, making it unrelated to the main topic. While it cites UNICEF's statements about the ceasefire being 'a deadly illusion,' it does not align with the cross-source consensus on climate threats.
Diário de NotíciasIndependentCenterFactual 60Objective 5515 days ago
The United Nations reported a 34% increase in killings and maimings of children in armed conflicts in 2025, according to the latest report by the UN Secretary-General on Children and Armed Conflict. The report highlights that 38,558 serious violations against children were recorded last year, with 24,174 children affected, many suffering multiple violations. The most observed violations were killings and maimings. Other abuses included denial of humanitarian aid, recruitment and use of children, and sexual violence. The countries with the highest number of verified serious violations against儿童
Bias read (Center): The article presents factual data from the United Nations without apparent ideological framing. It reports on a global issue with no clear partisan emphasis, using neutral language and citing official sources.
Why these scores (Factual 60 · Objective 55): The article contains some factual inaccuracies, such as claiming the increase was specifically in 'assassinations and mutilations' rather than overall violations. It also incorrectly states the report was published on June 17, 2026, when the primary source does not provide a date. The tone is more e
A UN commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza by deliberately targeting Palestinian children. The report states that Israeli security forces have killed over 20,000 children and injured 44,000 more since October 7, 2023, despite a ceasefire agreement in October 2025. The commission emphasized that Israel has shown continued disregard for the ceasefire and for protecting Palestinian children under international law. The findings were presented by Srinivasan Muralidhar, chair of the commission, during a press conference.
Bias read (Left): The article uses strong, accusatory language such as 'committing genocide' and frames the actions of Israeli forces as deliberate and unlawful. It cites the UN commission's findings without presenting counterarguments or alternative perspectives, emphasizing the severity of the situation from the UN
A United Nations inquiry has concluded that Israel committed genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes by deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of over 20,000 children between October 2023 and October 2025. The report accuses Israel of systematic actions against civilian populations, particularly children, during the conflict. Israel has officially rejected these findings. The report highlights the scale of child casualties and attributes them directly to Israeli military operations. The situation has drawn international attention and raised concerns about the humanitarian impact on Gaza's population.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UN's conclusion that Israel committed genocide, which is a highly charged legal and moral accusation typically associated with leftist perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The framing emphasizes the deliberate targeting of children and attributes blame directly,
A United Nations investigation has accused Israel of deliberately targeting children in Gaza, describing them as 'intentional targets' of Israeli security forces and stating that Palestinian children have been 'killed.' The report, released by a UN commission, builds on previous findings from September that concluded Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. It claims that Israeli forces have continued large-scale, systematic military operations with disproportionate casualties, injuries, and displacement affecting Palestinian children. The report highlights severe psychological trauma, loss of family, hunger, and damage to health and education systems, which it says will have lifelong effects on children. Indian judge Srinivasan Muralidhar, leading the commission, stated that Israel's military has provided verified evidence of their actions and could be held accountable. However, Israeli authorities have rejected the report, calling it biased and claiming it ignores the deaths of Israeli civilians and the use of Palestinian children as human shields by Hamas.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UN commission's report accusing Israel of genocide and deliberate targeting of children in Gaza, using strong language such as 'deliberately targeting,' 'genocide,' and 'disproportionate casualties.' It emphasizes the harm caused to Palestinian children and quotes critics of
The New York Times (World)Independent🔒Left10 days ago
A United Nations report has concluded that Israel's killings of children in Gaza after a truce constitute genocide. The report was released by an independent commission of inquiry established by the UN Human Rights Council. Israel's U.N. mission strongly rejected the findings, calling the report a 'libelous sham' and the commission a 'fundamentally flawed mechanism.' The report likely includes detailed evidence and testimonies regarding the alleged actions by Israeli forces against Palestinian children in Gaza post-truce.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the U.N. report's conclusion that Israeli actions amount to genocide, which is a highly charged and politically sensitive accusation. The framing emphasizes the severity of the allegations made by the U.N., while Israel's response is included but does not counterbalance the main
A United Nations independent investigation has concluded that Israel is committing genocide by deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza, according to a report published by The Guardian. The report, issued by the UN's Independent International Commission of Inquiry, examines violations of Palestinian children's rights since the start of the conflict in Gaza. It states that approximately 30% of those killed by Israeli forces were children. Previous reports from September indicated that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, with Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, being implicated in encouraging such actions. Netanyahu faces an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court for war crimes. Israel has rejected these allegations, calling them a 'defamatory farce,' while receiving significant diplomatic support from allies like the US and the UK. Legal experts and human rights organizations, including UN researchers, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, have concluded that Israel aims to destroy Palestinians, including through analyses of UN investigations and global genocide experts. The UN report highlights that Palestinian childr
Bias read (Left): The article uses strong language such as 'genocide' and attributes intent to Israeli authorities, citing UN findings and human rights organizations. It frames the situation as a deliberate campaign against Palestinian children, emphasizing the role of Israeli military actions and the international c
An independent U.N. inquiry has concluded that Israeli security forces deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza, leading to genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The report, released by the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry, examined violations against Palestinian children since the start of the war between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023. Around 30% of those killed in the Gaza war were children, with at least 20,179 children killed between October 7, 2023, and October 7, 2025. This percentage is higher than in previous conflicts, such as those in 2008–2009 and 2014. The report claims that Israeli forces used high-payload munitions in densely populated areas, suggesting intentional targeting of civilians. Israel has dismissed the findings, calling the report 'defamatory' and emphasizing its commitment to protecting children.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the U.N. inquiry's findings as definitive conclusions about deliberate targeting of children by Israeli forces, using terms like 'genocide,' 'crimes against humanity,' and 'war crimes.' It emphasizes the high number of child deaths and attributes them to Israeli actions while re
A United Nations independent investigation has concluded that Israeli authorities and security forces intentionally targeted Palestinian children during the conflict with Hamas, resulting in acts of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The report found that approximately 30% of those killed in Gaza were children, with at least 20,179 children killed between October 7, 2023, and October 7, 2025. This proportion is higher than in previous conflicts such as those in 2008–2009 and 2014. The report claims that Israeli forces used large-caliber ammunition and weapons with wide effects in densely populated areas despite the increasing number of child casualties, suggesting these attacks were intentional. It further states that Israeli security forces considered the entire civilian population connected to Hamas and other armed groups, leading to collective targeting of children. The findings include the impact of attacks on healthcare and reproductive facilities, increased rates of miscarriages, and the need for psychological support among children in Gaza.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UN's findings as conclusive evidence of genocide and war crimes by Israel, using strong terms like 'genocide,' 'crimes against humanity,' and 'intentionally targeted.' It emphasizes the high casualty rate among children and frames the actions of Israeli forces as deliberate,
A United Nations inquiry has reportedly concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza have resulted in the targeting of children, amounting to genocide. This claim comes amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with significant humanitarian concerns raised regarding civilian casualties, particularly among children. The UN investigation suggests that Israeli military operations have disproportionately affected Gazan civilians, leading to severe international condemnation. Such allegations could have major implications for international relations and potential legal actions against Israel.
Bias read (Left): The article uses strong language such as 'genocide' and frames the situation as an intentional targeting of children by Israel, which aligns with a left-leaning perspective that often emphasizes human rights and criticizes state violence. The focus on international condemnation and potential legal后果
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNO) has accused Israeli authorities and security forces of deliberately targeting Palestinian children during the conflict in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. According to an independent UN investigation report released on Tuesday, this deliberate targeting constitutes genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The report states that approximately 30% of all casualties in the Gaza conflict were children, with at least 20,179 children killed between October 7, 2023, and October 7, 2025. This percentage is higher than in previous conflicts such as those in 2008–2009 and 2014. The commission found that Israeli forces continued using high-explosive munitions and area-effect weapons in densely populated areas despite rising child fatalities, suggesting these attacks were intentional. The report claims that Israeli security forces have collectively targeted civilians, linking them to Hamas and other armed groups.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UN's accusations against Israel as factual and frames the actions of Israeli security forces as deliberate and criminal. It uses strong terms like 'genocide,' 'crimes against humanity,' and 'war crimes' without providing counterarguments or balanced perspectives. The tone is
The UN investigation committee has accused Israel of intentionally targeting Palestinian children in Gaza with drone strikes and snipers, resulting in mass killings and war crimes. The report claims these actions were part of a deliberate strategy aimed at destroying the future of Gazan Palestinians by targeting children. It further alleges that Israeli forces have detained, tortured, and sexually assaulted Palestinian minors in custody, particularly in the West Bank. The report was issued by a three-member UN commission established in 2021 to investigate human rights violations in occupied Palestinian territories and Israel. The Netanyahu government has previously criticized the commission as biased and rejected this latest report, calling it propaganda.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UN investigation committee’s allegations against Israel as factual, using strong language such as 'mass killings,' 'war crimes,' and 'deliberate strategy.' It emphasizes the accusations made by the committee while quoting an Indian lawyer who supports the findings. The tone,
The United Nations has accused Israel of deliberately targeting children in the Gaza Strip during military operations, citing a report by a UN commission that classifies these actions as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. According to the report, at least 20,179 children have been killed in Gaza since October 2023, with over 44,000 injured. The report claims that Israel’s actions include the targeted killing of children, detention and torture of Palestinian children in Israeli prisons, and the use of sexual violence against children as part of collective humiliation. Israel has strongly rejected these allegations, calling the report deeply flawed and biased, arguing that it aims to promote an anti-Israel narrative. Israel also accuses Hamas of systematically recruiting and exploiting children as combatants, messengers, tunnel workers, and human shields, including placing weapons under children's beds and using them for attacks on Israeli forces.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UN's accusations against Israel as factual and frames Israel's response as dismissive and biased. It emphasizes the scale of child casualties and includes detailed descriptions of alleged abuses, while portraying Israel's rebuttal as politically motivated. This framing align
A new UN inquiry has accused Israel of deliberately targeting and killing Palestinian children in the occupied territories since October 7, 2023, claiming this constitutes a strategy aimed at destroying the biological continuity of the Palestinian people. The report, titled 'The essence of childhood has been destroyed,' states that at least 20,179 children have been killed and 44,143 injured, alleging that Israel has committed torture, inhumane treatment, and sexual violence against Palestinian children. The report defines a child as anyone under 18 years old. In response, Israel highlights that many of those killed were Hamas combatants aged 16 and 17, who were actively engaged in hostilities. Israel notes that it has conducted over 3,000 internal investigations into its actions and acknowledges past mistakes, such as incidents involving humanitarian organizations. It argues that labeling these actions as 'genocide' is premature without full investigation and emphasizes efforts made to warn civilians during military operations.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UN inquiry's accusations against Israel as definitive, using strong terms like 'deliberately targeted' and 'genocide.' It frames Israel's actions as intentional and condemns them without providing balanced counterarguments or emphasizing Israel's self-investigations and just
A United Nations investigation committee has accused Israel of deliberately targeting children during military operations in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, labeling these attacks as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The report, published by the UN Human Rights Council's expert commission, states that at least 20,179 children were killed in Gaza since October 2023 due to the conflict, with over 30% of all casualties being children under 18 years old. At least 5,031 of those killed were under four years old, and more than 44,000 children were injured. The report claims that Israeli forces used high-explosive munitions and area-effect weapons in densely populated areas despite rising child fatalities, suggesting intent behind the attacks. Israel has strongly denied the allegations.
Bias read (Left): The article presents the UNO report's accusations against Israel as deliberate and systematic, using strong terms like 'genocide,' 'crimes against humanity,' and 'war crimes.' It emphasizes the high number of child deaths and injuries, frames Israel’s actions as intentional, and highlights the harm,
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
