UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has notified Israel’s Defense Attaché in the US, Major General Hidai Zilberman, of his decision to include Israel in the upcoming “Children and Armed Conflict” report’s blacklist.
This list features countries and organizations responsible for harming children in conflict zones, including Russia, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Boko Haram.
Israel’s inclusion comes after repeated warnings from the UN to improve its actions in Gaza, where the ongoing conflict has resulted in significant human suffering, particularly among children. The conflict, which began after Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, and Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 36,731 people in Gaza, mostly civilians and Children.
The UN report, expected by the end of June, highlights human rights violations against children in around 20 conflict zones. Israel’s inclusion is a result of its failure to adequately protect children from the conflict, despite previous warnings from the UN. Rights groups have long advocated for Israel’s inclusion on the list.
The decision has sparked criticism from Israeli officials, with Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, condemning the move as “shameful” and accusing Guterres of “giving Hamas hope.” However, the UN’s decision is seen as a long-overdue recognition of the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza, who have been disproportionately affected by the conflict.
UN has found evidence of Warcrimes of Israeli Forces in Gaza and Rafah, where Mass Graves In UN Schools were found.
UN Investigations On Warcrimes
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the World Health Organization reporting that over 80% of children have gone without food for at least a day in the past 72 hours. The Hamas government media office has reported at least 32 deaths due to malnutrition since the conflict began. The inclusion of Israel on the blacklist highlights the need for accountability and improved actions to protect children in conflict zones.
The inclusion of Israel on the blacklist highlights the need for accountability and improved actions to protect children in conflict zones. The international community must take immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, ensure the protection of children, and hold accountable those responsible for war crimes and genocide.
The UN’s decision is a crucial step towards acknowledging the suffering of Palestinian children in Gaza and promoting accountability for human rights violations.