UNICEF’s role in Israel and the State of Palestine

UNICEF’s role in Israel and the State of Palestine


5. Has UNICEF spoken out on the violations committed against children in Israel and the State of Palestine? 

Yes. In public and behind closed doors, UNICEF has spoken out on the violations committed against children in Israel and the State of Palestine unequivocally, consistently and since the earliest days.   

Even wars have rules. The killing and maiming of children is a grave violation condemned by the United Nations Security Council. Attacks on schools and hospitals are grave violations. The abduction of children – as an intentional act of violence or retaliation, to instill fear among populations, to sexually abuse children, and in absolutely any other circumstance – is a grave violation. The denial of humanitarian access to children is a grave violation.   

We condemn every violation committed against children throughout this crisis: Armed conflict inflicts the most severe and heinous harm on them. Deprived of fundamental human rights, children living through war are also exposed to unconscionable forms of violence, including sexual violence – a grave violation – unlawful arrest, and detention.   

We appeal to world leaders, from the start of this catastrophe through today: Children on every side of fighting must be protected from further suffering. In any circumstance, at all times, they must not come under attack.  

Public statements on violations against children in Gaza 

From the earliest days of escalating hostilities in the Gaza Strip, UNICEF has unequivocally called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Like many others, we have pleaded for the killing of children to stop. Like many others, we have pleaded for an end to the bombardment of schools, hospitals and other civilian infrastructure. Like many others, we have pleaded for the opening of all access crossings into the Gaza Strip, and for the safe, unimpeded movement of humanitarian workers and supplies across Gaza.  

But today, the Gaza Strip is the most dangerous place in the world to be a child. And when fighting ends, it will likely remain that way – with the heaviest concentration of unexploded ordnance expected on the planet.    

Public statements on violations against children in Israel 

UNICEF calls for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all Israeli and foreign hostages being held captive in Gaza – children, women and men. Hostage-taking is a war crime, prohibited by international humanitarian law in all circumstances. Every hostage must be released immediately and safely. Release must not be made conditional on any other demand.   

UNICEF has publicly pressed for the release of hostages since 9 October and will continue to do so through private advocacy and public statements. As of 4 December, UNICEF has called for the release of abducted Israeli children in over 100 public statements, remarks and interviews with press, as well as across social media. We have reiterated these demands at the Security Council, imploring the adoption of a resolution that includes the release of all abducted children.   

UNICEF senior officials have also travelled to Gaza, the West Bank and Israel to meet with the families of victims and press for humanitarian action for child survivors of all violations.   

For more information on UNICEF’s work to help protect children during humanitarian crises, read on.



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