UN inquiry finds Israel targeting Palestinian children in Gaza with genocidal intent

What happened

An independent UN inquiry commission reports that Israeli forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza during the ongoing conflict. The commission states that about 30% of those killed by Israeli forces have been children, and it considers this targeting a key indicator of genocidal intent by Israeli authorities and security forces.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. The report details the use of high-payload munitions in densely populated residential areas despite the high number of child casualties, which the commission interprets as intentional targeting. The inquiry chair, Srinivasan Muralidhar, says these actions indicate Israel’s intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinian people in Gaza by undermining their future via attacks on children.

According to the report, Israel’s blockade causing starvation and severe shortages of aid, food, and medicine in Gaza has severely harmed children’s health and development, causing preventable deaths and widespread trauma. The inquiry also highlights damage to healthcare and reproductive facilities and notes an increase in miscarriages and psychological distress among Gaza’s children.

Known from the source

• The UN independent international commission of inquiry released a report stating Israel continues to commit genocide by targeting Palestinian children in Gaza.
• About 30% of Palestinians killed by Israeli forces since the start of the war have been children, according to the commission.
• The report finds deliberate targeting of children including after a ceasefire in October 2025.
• The inquiry cites use of high-payload munitions in densely populated areas contributing to child casualties.
• The report links conditions imposed by Israel, including blockade and repeated displacement, to harm against children’s health and development.

What remains unclear

Israel’s mission in Geneva rejected the commission’s findings, calling the report a “libellous sham.” Israel also accused Hamas of diverting humanitarian aid and fuel intended for hospitals, claims Hamas denies. The report additionally addresses increased violence and documented torture of Palestinian children in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, areas under Israeli control despite international rulings.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Independent verification of casualty figures and proportionality of child deaths among Palestinians killed. Exact details of the ceasefire terms and timing relative to alleged child targeting. Corroboration from other credible human rights organizations or UN bodies on allegations of genocidal intent.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: The Guardian Gaza. Open the source.