UN Inquiry Alleges Israel Targeted Children in Gaza Genocide 

GENEVA (AP) — A United Nations commission of inquiry reported Tuesday that Israeli authorities and security forces have continued to commit genocide and other serious international crimes in Gaza, concluding that Palestinian children were deliberately targeted during military operations. The findings were issued by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which said its investigation found evidence that children were killed in attacks that continued even after periods of reduced hostilities. The commission argued that the deaths and injuries suffered by children, combined with broader military and humanitarian policies, demonstrated an intent to destroy part of the Palestinian population in Gaza.

According to the report, children accounted for a significant share of those killed during the conflict, while many more experienced displacement, hunger, trauma and the collapse of essential services. The commission said Israeli forces continued to use powerful munitions in densely populated areas despite mounting civilian casualties and also cited the impact of restrictions on humanitarian aid, healthcare and other necessities. The inquiry additionally documented allegations of abuses against Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank, including mistreatment in detention and exposure to increasing settler violence.