Israel’s UN representative Gilad Erdan said the UN has formally placed Israel on its global list of states and armed organizations that have violated children’s rights. Significant international outcry and heightened diplomatic tensions have resulted from this admission.
The news was made after eight months of fierce fighting in Gaza. Of the 36,500 people who died during this time, approximately 13,000 are thought to have been children. The situation worsened even more after Israel bombarded a UN school in central Gaza, killing over forty Palestinians—including children.
Human rights advocates have also drawn attention to the fact that Hamas is mentioned in the same UN report regarding its activities on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of almost 1,200 Israelis—including children—and the kidnapping of several others.
An important development in the current war is Israel’s inclusion on this list, which has drawn criticism and support from a range of international parties. The action could result in further scrutiny and pressure on Israel’s military operations in the region and is expected to significantly complicate the already precarious peace process.
The claims have been sharply refuted by Erdan, who also described the UN’s ruling as politically driven and prejudiced. He maintained that Israel takes great precautions to prevent civilian losses and that its military activities are a form of self-defense against terrorist threats.
Human rights organizations, on the other hand, have applauded the UN’s decision and called for stricter measures to safeguard children in conflict areas. They contend that there is ample proof of abuses committed against children in Gaza and that any lasting settlement must include accountability.
The argument over how to conduct military operations in war areas and how to protect civilians—especially children—has heated up again as a result of this development. The international community is still quite split over how to proceed in order to protect the rights and safety of children in these regions, even while diplomatic efforts continue.