UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children in annual report

In a significant development, the United Nations has included Israel in its annual report on states committing violations against children. This decision, disclosed by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, marks a notable shift in the international community’s approach to addressing child rights violations.

Israel’s military finds itself on the list alongside entities like Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad, as confirmed by a diplomatic source familiar with the matter. The move comes amidst heightened tensions following the conflict in Gaza, which resulted in substantial loss of life, including numerous children.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the Secretary-General, affirmed the decision, emphasizing its importance in holding all parties accountable for their actions. However, the inclusion of Israel has sparked controversy, with Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, expressing strong objection. Erdan denounced the decision as unjust and defended the integrity of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

In a leaked video, Erdan condemned the UN’s move, accusing it of siding with terrorists and compromising the safety of children. However, his actions drew criticism from Dujarric, who labeled the leak as “shocking and unacceptable,” citing diplomatic protocols.

Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian envoy to the UN, welcomed Israel’s inclusion, describing it as a step towards accountability for past actions. Mansour stressed the importance of addressing the culture of impunity that has shielded Israel from consequences for its actions against children.

The decision to add Israel to the list underscores the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and highlights the need for greater international scrutiny and accountability. As the report heads to the Security Council for discussion, the international community faces a critical juncture in addressing child rights violations in conflict zones.