- The United Nations has added Israel, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad to its list of offenders harming children in conflict zones, citing severe violations.
- Israeli officials criticize the decision, while Palestinians and rights groups welcome it. The listing could affect diplomacy, aid, and public opinion.
The United Nations recently included Israel in its global list of offenders harming children in conflict zones. This decision is part of the UN Secretary-General’s annual report on children and armed conflict, which identifies and condemns severe violations against children during wartime. Alongside Israel, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad were also added to this list. The report, part of the UN’s efforts to monitor and mitigate the impacts of armed conflicts on children, details numerous violations over the past year.
The report highlights severe violations, including the killing and maiming of over 15,500 Palestinian children, mainly in Gaza, due to Israeli military actions. Numerous attacks on educational and medical facilities have disrupted children’s access to essential services, killing and injuring many.
Humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF and WHO, have faced significant barriers in delivering aid. The report notes that Israeli restrictions on movement have hampered efforts to provide food, water, and medical care to those in need.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is dire, with children suffering from acute malnutrition due to a severe shortage of clean water and food. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to halt military operations in Rafah and open border crossings for urgent aid deliveries.
Israeli officials reacted strongly to the UN’s decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the inclusion, calling it absurd and accusing the UN of rewarding terrorist organizations. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, also expressed outrage, insisting that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) uphold high moral standards.
Palestinian representatives welcomed the decision. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the UN, stated that while the blacklist would not bring back lives lost, it was an important step towards ending what he described as Israel’s culture of impunity. Mansour emphasized the need for accountability and protection for Palestinian children.
Human rights organizations have long advocated for Israel’s inclusion on the blacklist, arguing that it is a necessary step towards accountability. Louis Charbonneau from Human Rights Watch called the inclusion “thoroughly justified, albeit long overdue.”
Being on the blacklist carries symbolic and practical consequences. Symbolically, it signifies strong condemnation from the international community, emphasizing the need for accountability and compliance with international humanitarian laws. Practically, it could lead to increased diplomatic pressure on Israel to change its military tactics and policies to better protect children. The listing also brings heightened scrutiny from international bodies, NGOs, and the media, ensuring closer monitoring of Israel’s actions in conflict zones.
Furthermore, the inclusion on the blacklist might affect international aid and support to Israel, with donors and partners potentially imposing conditions to ensure better protection of children and adherence to humanitarian standards. It may also strain Israel’s diplomatic relations with various countries and international organizations that prioritize human rights and the protection of children.
Although the blacklist itself does not impose sanctions, it could lead to calls for sanctions or other punitive measures from international bodies or individual countries. Military aid and arms sales to Israel may come under increased scrutiny and could be restricted. Within Israel, the inclusion may affect public opinion, leading to increased debate and pressure on the government to address the allegations and improve its policies regarding the protection of children in conflict zones.
The UN and various international bodies continue to call for an immediate ceasefire. The Secretary-General has emphasized the need for protecting civilians, particularly children, and ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need. Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, a sustainable ceasefire remains elusive.
