“The essence of childhood has been destroyed”: Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 7 October 2023
Human Rights Council
Sixty-second session
18 June, 2026
“The essence of childhood has been destroyed”: Israel’s deliberate targeting of Palestinian children in the Occupied
Palestinian Territory since 7 October 2023
Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem,
and Israel
Summary
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian
Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel examines violations and crimes against and
affecting Palestinian children, including serious physical and psychological harm by the Israeli
security forces since 7 October 2023 resulting in the death of at least 20,179 and injury of
44,143 children.
The paper describes the deliberate targeting and killing of Palestinian children,
including post-ceasefire since the October 2025 Gaza peace plan. The Commission also
examines a sharp increase in violence perpetrated by members of Israeli settlers against
Palestinian children in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The Commission examines the use of torture, inhumane and degrading treatment,
including sexual and gender-based violence, against Palestinian children, particularly during
mass arrests and in detention. It analyses pattern of Israel’s targeting of critical infrastructure
essential to children, such as healthcare facilities and its short- to long-term consequences, as
well as the impact of reproductive violence on newborns, resulting in poor neonatal health and
birthing outcomes; attacks on orphanages and schools, impacting the loss of care for orphans
and unaccompanied children, and inducing academic harm and learning disruptions for
children, respectively.
The Commission examines the impact of the conditions of life imposed by Israel in
Gaza resulting in preventable mortality of children, exacerbating morbidity, and serious mental
trauma from the relentless and widespread attacks by Israel over two years – collectively
revealing severe, multi-layered harm to Palestinian children’s survival, health, and
development. Further, the Commission examines how Israeli soldiers mock and weaponize
symbols of childhood in Gaza, raising ethical, disciplinary and legal questions about the
conduct of the Israeli security forces during the ground invasion of Gaza.
Lastly, the Commission provides recommendations to diverse stakeholders for the
cessation of attacks, reparations, accountability and international enforcement of sanctions –
aimed at advancing child-responsive justice.
