UN adds Israel military to list violating kids' rights in Gaza conflict. Israeli leaders condemn "shameful" move, Palestinians welcome accountability step. Thousands of children killed amid dire humanitarian crisis.
The United Nations has taken the controversial step of adding Israel's military to a list of armed forces accused of violating children's rights during conflicts.
This decision stems from Israel's ongoing military operations against Hamas in Gaza last year. While the specific violations were not detailed, reports indicate both Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militias will also be named on the list.
Israeli leaders like Prime Minister Netanyahu and Ambassador Erdan condemned the UN's move, defending the Israeli military as highly moral. However, Palestinian officials welcomed it as a step toward accountability for alleged Israeli crimes against children in Gaza.
The conflict has resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties, including many children killed or injured by Israeli strikes. UN data suggests over 7,700 children were killed, though numbers vary. The fighting has also sparked a dire humanitarian crisis, with children dying from lack of food, water and medical care amid Israeli blockades.
While Israel blamed Hamas for civilian casualties, accusing the militants of operating in populated areas, the UN listing signals strengthening international criticism over the high toll on children caught in the Gaza violence.
