UN inquiry accused Israel of genocide over killings of Gaza children
What's new: The report counted at least 20,179 children killed in Gaza from Oct. 7, 2023, to Oct. 7, 2025, and said deaths continued after the 2025 ceasefire.
A UN commission of inquiry accused Israeli authorities and security forces of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes by deliberately targeting Palestinian children in Gaza. The report, released in Geneva on June 23, said at least 20,179 children were killed between Oct. 7, 2023, and Oct. 7, 2025, about 30% of the overall death toll, and alleged the killings continued after the October 2025 ceasefire. The commission said Israel’s use of heavy munitions in densely populated areas showed children were intentionally targeted as part of a strategy to damage the future of Palestinians in Gaza. Israel rejected the findings, with its mission in Geneva calling the report a “libellous sham” and saying it ignores Hamas’ tactics.