BAMRO

Findings of the Commission of Inquiry Regarding the Targeting of Palestinian Children

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry devoted significant attention in its report to the situation of Palestinian children, identifying them as among the most severely affected groups by the ongoing conflict and related violations.

The Commission reported that it had collected direct testimonies, documentary evidence, digital records, photographs, video footage, and medical reports documenting the killing and injury of large numbers of Palestinian children. It further concluded that recurring patterns of attacks raised serious concerns regarding compliance with the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution under international humanitarian law.

During the presentation of the report before the Human Rights Council, Commission Chair Srinivasan Murali Dhar stated that Palestinian children had been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli security forces, including during periods following the October 2025 ceasefire, calling for independent international investigations and effective accountability mechanisms.

The Commission also documented:

• The killing and injury of children while in their homes or displacement camps.
• Attacks on civilian areas where large numbers of children were present.
• Denial of access to education due to the destruction of schools or their conversion into shelters.
• Denial of healthcare resulting from attacks on or disruption of medical facilities.
• Severe psychological trauma suffered by children due to the loss of family members and forced displacement.

Legal Characterization of the Violations

The Commission concluded that the scale and nature of these violations may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity under international law.

Children benefit from special protection under:

• The Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989).
• The Four Geneva Conventions (1949).
• The Additional Protocols of 1977.
• United Nations Security Council Resolution 2601 (2021) on the protection of education during armed conflict.

The report emphasized that directly or indirectly targeting children, or exposing them to grave dangers during armed conflict, constitutes a serious violation of international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

A Significant Development at the Human Rights Council

The importance of this session lies in the fact that the Independent International Commission of Inquiry presented direct findings before the Human Rights Council concerning the responsibility of Israeli forces for violations committed against Palestinian children. This reinforces international calls for accountability, justice, and an end to impunity, while opening the door to further legal and diplomatic action within the United Nations system.