Press Release
On World Children's Day, Palestinian Children Continue to Suffer Under Occupation
The Embassy of the State of Palestine reminds the international community that Palestinian children continue to endure one of the most severe and prolonged protection crises under Israeli military occupation.
Decades of Israeli occupation have subjected Palestinian children to loss of life, forced displacement, terror from illegal settlers' militias, arbitrary detention, destruction of homes and schools, deprivation of food and essential services, and systematic denial of basic rights conditions that profoundly shape their lives.
Since the onset of Israel's genocidal attacks, Gaza has experienced unprecedented levels of lethal force, mass displacement, and destruction of civilian infrastructure essential for children's survival. In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Palestinian children face lethal force, settler violence, movement restrictions, home demolitions, and frequent military raids. Reports indicate a sharp rise in child injuries and psychological trauma linked to these intensified attacks.
For the past 18 years, Israel has maintained a comprehensive blockade on Gaza, isolating over 2.3 million Palestinians, half of them children, leading to chronic shortages of life-saving medicine, food, electricity, and clean water. No child should grow up under such conditions. The international community has both a legal and moral duty to ensure their protection.
Key Figures (2023–2025):
Over 69,483 Palestinians killed in Gaza, including at least 18,592 children.
More than 170,000 injured, 70% women and children.
Over 40,000 children in Gaza orphaned.
Tens of thousands of children living with permanent disabilities, amputations, severe burns, spinal injuries, and untreated psychological trauma.
Pediatric services, trauma surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and psychological support have been severely degraded or destroyed.
In the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, 210 children unlawfully killed since October 7, 2025, and at least 350 remain detained in Israeli facilities, many under administrative detention without charge.
Legal Framework:
Under the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC), Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated to protect children and civilians and refrain from collective punishment, forced displacement, unlawful killings, and attacks on civilian objects. Verified violations, including killings, maiming, attacks on schools and hospitals, and unlawful detention, may constitute war crimes.
Demands:
The Palestinian government calls upon the international community and the UN to:
1. Include Israeli occupying forces on the UN list of perpetrators of grave violations against children.
2. Take immediate measures to halt violent attacks against Palestinian children and civilians.
3. Ensure full humanitarian access to schools, hospitals, shelters, and rehabilitation centers.
4. Secure immediate release of all Palestinian child detainees.
5. Comply with international law, including the 2024 ICJ advisory opinion, and end occupation as rapidly as possible.
6. Invest in large-scale reconstruction focused on children's health, education, and psychosocial support.
The Embassy reaffirms that every child has the right to life, safety, education, and protection. The suffering of Palestinian children is a moral and legal obligation for the international community to address.
Embassy of the State of Palestine
Dar es Salaam
The End
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