ELDH Statement Supporting the Findings and Recommendations of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, on the Deliberate Targeting of Palestinian Children
The European Association of Lawyers association for Democracy and World Human Rights in the world (ELDH) expresses its strongest support for the report of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel (established by the UN-Human Rights Council already in 2021) concerning the deliberate targeting of Palestinian children since 7 October 2023, published in June 2026, https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/documents/hrbodies/hrcouncil/sessions-regular/session62/a-hrc-62-crp-2.pdf
The report presents extensive and deeply disturbing evidence that Palestinian children have been subjected to killings, maiming, starvation, forced displacement, arbitrary detention, torture, sexual violence, denial of healthcare, destruction of educational opportunities, and profound psychological trauma on an unprecedented scale. The Commission concludes that these violations are not isolated incidents or merely incidental consequences of military operations but form part of a broader pattern of conduct directed against Palestinian children as members of a protected group and as the future of Palestinian society.
ELDH is particularly alarmed by the Commission’s finding that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that much of the harm inflicted upon Palestinian children in Gaza was intended to destroy the existence of Palestinians in Gaza as a group and that the targeting of children formed part of a deliberate strategy to destroy the future of the Palestinian people.
These findings carry profound legal significance. They point to conduct corresponding to several prohibited acts under Article II of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, including the killing of members of a protected group, causing serious bodily and mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the physical destruction of the group in whole or in part, and measures affecting the group’s reproductive capacity and continuity.
ELDH notes that the Commission’s findings add substantial weight to the growing body of evidence indicating the commission of genocidal acts in Gaza and provide further evidence relevant to the assessment of genocidal intent.
ELDH recalls the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice in the case brought by South Africa against Israel and the Advisory Opinion of July 2024 concerning the illegality of the occupation and the obligations of third States.
In light of the Commission’s findings, ELDH calls upon all States, international organizations, and relevant institutions to fully implement the Commission’s recommendations, fulfil their obligations under the Genocide Convention, support accountability efforts including before the International Criminal Court, suspend transfers of arms and assistance that may contribute to serious violations of international law, ensure humanitarian access, and provide comprehensive support for Palestinian children and their families.
The international community cannot remain passive while an entire generation of Palestinian children is subjected to death, injury, trauma, deprivation, and the destruction of the conditions necessary for a dignified future. The protection of children is among the most fundamental obligations of international law.
ELDH stands in solidarity with Palestinian children, their families, and all those striving to uphold international law, human rights, accountability, and the right of the Palestinian people to live in freedom, dignity, and self-determination.