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Israel’s Military and Palestinian Groups Named in Annual Report
UN Notification and Reactions
On Friday, the spokesperson for United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres confirmed that Israel’s military has been included in a worldwide roster of perpetrators who have transgressed against children, as announced by Guterres himself. This announcement, detailed in Guterres’ annual report on children in armed conflict, will be formally presented to the UN Security Council next Friday, according to UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
Alongside Israel’s military, Palestinian groups Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad were also included on the list. The inclusion of these groups highlights the complexity and severity of the violations occurring in the region, affecting children from all communities involved in the conflict.
Israeli Reaction and Controversy
Dujarric revealed that Guterres’ chief of staff had informed Israel’s UN mission of the decision on Friday, a standard courtesy extended to newly listed countries to preempt leaks. However, Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan recorded the call and shared parts of it on social media. Erdan conveyed his frustration in the video, asserting that the IDF (Israeli Defense Forces) stands as the epitome of moral conduct among global military forces. He accused the UN secretary-general of incentivizing terrorism and acting out of hatred for Israel, calling the decision shameful.
Dujarric condemned the publication of the private call, describing it as shocking and unacceptable, a first in his 24 years at the UN. This incident has exacerbated tensions between Israel and the United Nations, further complicating diplomatic relations and collaborative efforts in the region.
Context and Impact
Following eight months of conflict in Gaza, during which more than 15,500 children lost their lives according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, Israel has been added to the list of violators of children’s rights by the UN. The escalation of the conflict occurred after an assault led by Hamas on Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and around 250 hostages being taken. Despite Israel’s extensive military efforts, many hostages remain in captivity, and Hamas leadership has yet to be apprehended.
This addition of Israel to the UN’s list, previously populated by nations like Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen, represents a significant shift in global perceptions and highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis affecting the region’s most vulnerable children.
Palestinian Response
Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian representative to the United Nations, remarked that although the move to include Israel on the list wouldn’t revive lost children or reinstate normalcy for the disabled, it represents a significant stride towards halting what he characterized as Israel’s enduring immunity and inconsistent standards. Mansour emphasized that this acknowledgment by the UN could be a pivotal moment in holding all parties accountable for their actions and ensuring better protection for children in conflict zones.
The formal report is scheduled for release on June 18, followed by a discussion in the Security Council on June 26. When asked about possible repercussions, the UN spokesperson highlighted that any actions taken would hinge on the decisions made by the council members. The forthcoming debate aims to delve into the wider ramifications of these revelations and deliberate on strategies to avert future breaches concerning children.
Broader Implications
The ongoing war has further deteriorated Israel-UN relations, with Israeli diplomats often criticizing the UN. This criticism has also targeted other UN bodies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), the World Health Organization, UN Women, and Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur for the Occupied Palestinian Territories. These tensions reflect deeper disagreements over the handling of the conflict and the humanitarian crisis in the region.
Throughout the conflict, numerous United Nations personnel have lost their lives in Gaza, representing the most significant casualty toll in the history of the UN. Israel has consistently accused UNRWA of anti-Israeli bias, claims the agency denies. In 2017, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested dismantling UNRWA and proposed that its responsibilities be absorbed by the primary UN refugee agency. This proposal was met with significant resistance, highlighting the contentious nature of UNRWA’s role and the broader challenges in addressing the needs of Palestinian refugees.
Following the October 7 attack, Israeli media have intensified scrutiny of UNRWA, frequently questioning its role in the conflict. This increased attention underscores the polarized perspectives on the ground and the difficulties in achieving a unified approach to peace and humanitarian aid.
