**Title: UN Commission Highlights Targeting of Children in Gaza Conflict**
In a recent interview with RT India, Justice S. Muralidhar, the chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory, expressed grave concerns regarding the ongoing violence in Gaza, particularly the impact on children. He described the attacks by Israeli forces as “unjustified and disproportionate,” emphasizing that they reflect a disturbing pattern of targeted violence against the youngest members of society.
The conflict escalated following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and over 250 individuals taken hostage. In response, Israel launched a military operation that has since devastated large areas of Gaza, leading to the reported deaths of over 73,000 Palestinians and injuries to more than 173,000, according to local health authorities.
Justice Muralidhar highlighted the alarming statistics and specific instances of violence against children, stating, “When you shoot a 10-day-old baby breastfeeding on his mother… through his head, you can by no means label such a baby as an enemy of the State of Israel.” He criticized the rationale that Hamas might use civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and schools, to justify widespread destruction, noting that the demolition of 97% of Gaza’s schools cannot be condoned.
The commission's findings suggest that the Israeli military has employed tactics that specifically target children. Muralidhar pointed to evidence indicating that Israeli quadcopters, equipped with thermal imaging technology, can distinguish between children and adults, raising questions about the intent behind the attacks. He remarked on the use of “tiny cube-shaped pellets” designed to cause maximum internal damage, further illustrating the severity of the assaults on the youngest victims.
Moreover, Muralidhar referenced testimonies from Israeli soldiers who reportedly boasted about targeting children, indicating a troubling mindset within military ranks. He asserted that the evidence collected by the commission, including forensic and medical data, reveals a systematic pattern of targeting children and pregnant women, which he described as a potential element of genocide.
The destruction of healthcare facilities has compounded the crisis, with reports of hospitals being bombed while patients remained inside. Muralidhar emphasized that this not only endangers lives but also disrupts essential medical services, denying pregnant women access to proper nutrition and care, which he argues is a deliberate strategy to undermine reproductive health.
The commission's report also highlights the plight of orphaned children, with over 58,000 reported in the past two years alone. Muralidhar lamented the broader implications of these actions, criticizing the international community's failure to compel Israel to adhere to provisional orders from the International Court of Justice. He expressed concern that this inaction undermines the credibility of international law and the protection it is meant to provide to vulnerable populations.
As the situation in Gaza continues to unfold, the UN commission's findings serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, particularly for children who bear the brunt of violence. The call for accountability and protection of the most vulnerable remains urgent as the international community grapples with the complexities of the ongoing crisis.