For the second consecutive year, Israel has been listed in the United Nations’ annual report on grave violations against children in conflict zones, highlighting the growing scrutiny of its military actions in the occupied Palestinian territory.
The 2024 edition of the report, now in its 24th year, documents 41,370 verified grave violations against children worldwide — including killings, maiming, and attacks on schools and hospitals. Of these, more than 8,000 violations — approximately 20 percent — were attributed to Israeli forces.
According to the annex of the report, Israel remains on the list as a “party that kills and maims children” and one that “engages in attacks on schools and/or hospitals.” The inclusion reflects independently verified incidents and follows years of criticism that the UN had previously withheld listing Israel due to political pressure.
Last year marked the first time Israel was officially added to the list. Its continued presence in this year’s report has prompted renewed international debate over accountability and child protection in conflict zones.
The report serves as a stark reminder of the devastating impact of war on children and the growing calls for holding all parties — state and non-state — to international humanitarian standards.
