UNICEF demands accountability for Palestinian child killings

The United Nations children’s agency UNICEF has called for accountability for the protection of Palestinian children and the violence against them. Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera reported this information in a report on Thursday (June 11). In a statement, UNICEF’s Middle East and North Africa Regional Director Edward Bijbeder said that the loss of children in recent attacks in the West Bank and Gaza Strip is a matter of deep concern. A seven-month-old baby was killed in a recent shelling near the West Bank city of Hebron. In addition, at least eight children were killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip last week.
He added that the loss of children’s lives can never be accepted as normal. The deaths of children in violence should be a cause for global outrage and condemnation at all levels. In addition, the killing and wounding of children and their family members in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the forced displacement of children, and attacks on schools, homes, water and health infrastructure are a gross disregard for the fundamental rights of children.
Edward Bijbeder called on the Israeli authorities to ensure transparent, credible and effective investigations into all incidents in which children have been killed or permanently injured. At the same time, those responsible must be held accountable.
Meanwhile, various human rights organizations have complained that Israel has long failed to properly investigate the actions of Israeli soldiers or settlers involved in attacks on Palestinians. The organizations’ reports have noted that a large number of children are among the victims of these attacks. Human rights activists claim that it is the responsibility of all parties concerned to ensure the safety of children and to comply with international humanitarian law. They demand impartial investigations into such incidents and the bringing of those responsible to justice.