New York, NY — The United Nations has officially added the Israeli armed and security forces to the list of “parties that commit grave violations affecting children in situations of armed conflict,” according to a report seen by Anadolu.
The forthcoming report, which covers data from 2023, reveals a significant surge in violence against children in conflict zones. The document states, “In 2023, violence against children in armed conflict reached extreme levels, with a shocking 21 percent increase in grave violations.”
Notably, the report highlights a 35% increase in incidents leading to the death and injury of children compared to the previous year. The United Nations verified 32,990 grave violations, of which 30,705 occurred in 2023, with an additional 2,285 from previous years verified in 2023.
The data indicates that in 2023 alone, 5,301 children were killed, 6,348 were injured, 8,655 were recruited into armed groups, 5,205 were denied access to humanitarian aid, 2,491 were detained due to connections with armed groups, and 4,356 were abducted.
For the first time, Israel has been included in the list due to recent developments in Gaza. The report documents a 155% increase in grave violations against children in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, totaling 8,009 cases. These violations affected 4,360 children, including 113 Israelis and 4,247 Palestinians.
The report specifies that 7,837 violations were committed against 4,247 Palestinian children in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem, predominantly by the Israeli army and illegal Israeli settlers. The Israeli army and security forces were responsible for 5,698 of these violations. Additionally, the report highlights the detention of 906 Palestinian children by Israeli forces and mentions instances of ill-treatment and sexual abuse.
Furthermore, the report notes that the Israeli army has obstructed access to humanitarian aid for children in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
The report also lists the armed wings of Hamas (Qassam Brigades) and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (Al-Quds Brigades) as responsible parties. It mentions that 23,000 grave violations are still pending confirmation due to the situation in Gaza in late 2023.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed his shock in the report, stating, “I am shocked by the unprecedented number of children killed and maimed by the Israeli army and security forces in the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
The report identifies Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Myanmar, Somalia, Nigeria, and Sudan as the most intense areas of violations against children. Specific figures include 3,764 violations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2,799 in Myanmar, 2,283 in Somalia, 1,995 in Nigeria, and 1,721 in Sudan.
Additionally, Russian security forces remain on the list due to violations in Ukraine, with 938 grave violation cases recorded.
The report underscores that non-state actors are responsible for 50% of grave violations, while government forces play a significant role in the deaths and injuries of children. It further mentions that male children are more frequently recruited, killed, and injured in armed groups, while female children are more often subjected to sexual violence.–News Desk