UN Blacklists Israel Defense Forces for Violations Against Children
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been included in the United Nations blacklist for the first time, recognizing entities that have committed serious violations against children. The annual report, presented on June 13, also includes Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Virginia Gamba, UN representative for children and armed conflicts, asserts that both Israel and Hamas are causing irreparable harm to children. The report documents severe violations such as murder, mutilation, and attacks on schools and hospitals. The situation in Gaza is particularly dire, with nearly 2,300 Palestinian children confirmed dead, primarily due to explosive weapons used in populated areas by Israeli forces.
Impact on Palestinian and Israeli Children
The report highlights the dramatic impact of the conflict on children in Gaza, where 40% of the population is under 15 years old. The United Nations has verified the deaths of nearly 2,300 Palestinian children, with Unicef estimating up to 14,000 children killed in Gaza alone since the beginning of the Israeli offensive on October 7. Additionally, there are nearly 2,000 cases of child mutilation. The Israeli government has reacted strongly against the UN's decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticizing the organization. However, the report also documents violations against Israeli children by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, including murder, maiming, and kidnapping.
- Virginia Gamba has been in contact with the Netanyahu government for almost two years, negotiating a plan to prevent violations against children. However, since the announcement of Israel's inclusion on the blacklist, talks have stalled. Gamba emphasizes the importance of cooperation with the UN to implement measures that protect children. Despite the challenges, she remains optimistic that the violations will eventually be verified and attributed.
- The consequences of inclusion on the UN blacklist could potentially lead to sanctions against Israeli officials, although specific conditions must be met. The situation in Gaza remains difficult to verify due to the ongoing conflict, but Gamba is confident that the truth will come to light. The story of Line al-Nouno, an 8-year-old girl from Gaza, underscores the human impact of the conflict. Displaced multiple times, she longs for normalcy and the chance to return to school with her friends.
