In a report presented to the UN Security Council, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the significant increase in grave violations against children in armed conflicts in 2023. Israel’s armed and security forces, Palestinian militants Hamas and Islamic Jihad, and warring parties in Sudan were singled out for their actions resulting in the killing and maiming of children. The report described 5698 violations attributed to Israel, 116 to Hamas, and 21 to Islamic Jihad. The highest number of grave violations were reported in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, along with other conflict zones such as the Democratic Republic of Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, Nigeria, and Sudan.
The report also pointed out the attacks on schools and hospitals, with 371 verified incidents in 2023, primarily at the hands of Israel’s armed forces. Additionally, there were instances of military use of ambulances by Israeli forces and Hamas using a health center for military purposes. The report confirmed the killing of 2267 Palestinian children, with most incidents occurring in Gaza between October 7 and December 31. The majority of these incidents were attributed to the use of explosive weapons in populated areas by Israeli armed and security forces. The process of determining attribution for these killings is ongoing.
One of the major incidents mentioned in the report was an attack by Hamas militants on October 7, resulting in over 1200 people killed and 250 taken hostage. Israeli authorities believe that more than 100 hostages remain in Gaza. Israel’s UN envoy Gilad Erdan condemned the decision to add Israel’s military to the list of offenders, labeling it as “shameful.” Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad did not immediately respond to the allegations made in the report. The report highlighted the alarming trend of increased violence against children in armed conflicts, calling for urgent action to protect the rights and well-being of children caught in conflict zones.
The report emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the violations committed against children in conflict zones, stressing the importance of protecting the most vulnerable members of society. Secretary-General Guterres called for all parties involved in armed conflicts to respect international humanitarian law and take measures to prevent harm to children. The UN’s efforts to monitor and document violations against children aim to raise awareness and hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. The international community is urged to take action to protect children from the devastating impact of armed conflict and ensure their safety and well-being. The report serves as a reminder of the urgent need to prioritize the protection of children in conflict zones and work towards a more peaceful and secure future for all.
