UN Chief to Denounce Israel and Hamas for Violations Against Children
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is set to include Israel’s military, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad on a global list of offenders for violations against children in 2023. This inclusion, disclosed by Israel’s U.N. envoy Gilad Erdan, is part of a report on children and armed conflict that Guterres will submit to the U.N. Security Council on June 14.
Violations Covered in the Report
The report details six types of violations:
- Killing and maiming
- Sexual violence
- Abduction
- Recruitment and use of children
- Denial of aid access
- Attacks on schools and hospitals
Contentious Relationship and Reactions
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, warned that the decision would impact Israel’s relations with the U.N. This move comes amidst a strained relationship exacerbated by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza. According to U.N. data, at least 7,797 children have been killed in Gaza during the eight-month-long war, with the Gaza government citing a higher toll of around 15,500 children.
International and Regional Responses
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed that Guterres’ chief of staff informed Erdan of Israel’s inclusion on the list, noting it as a standard courtesy for newly listed parties. Erdan reacted strongly, denouncing the decision as aiding terrorists and undermining Israel’s moral standing.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized the U.N., asserting that it had aligned itself with supporters of Hamas. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas welcomed the decision, viewing it as a step towards holding Israel accountable for its actions.
Historical Context and Global Comparisons
The listing follows recommendations from nine years ago, when the U.N. special envoy for children and armed conflict suggested adding Israel and Hamas for violations during the 2014 Gaza war. Despite lobbying efforts, then-U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon ultimately did not include them, though he strongly criticized Israel’s actions.
Looking Forward
This report aims to pressure listed parties to implement measures to protect children. The list differentiates between those who have taken protective measures and those who have not, with Israel reportedly being placed in the latter category. The forthcoming inclusion underscores a broader effort by the international community to address and mitigate the impact of conflicts on vulnerable populations, especially children.
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