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Geneva; An independent United Nations inquiry has accused Israeli authorities and security forces of committing genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes against Palestinian children in Gaza, alleging that children were deliberately targeted during military operations since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023.

The report, released by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, alleges that the deliberate killing of Palestinian children forms part of a broader pattern that demonstrates genocidal intent against Palestinians in Gaza.

According to the commission, at least 20,179 Palestinian children were killed between October 7, 2023, and October 7, 2025, representing approximately 30 percent of the reported death toll in Gaza. The inquiry said the proportion of child fatalities is higher than in previous Gaza conflicts and concluded that Israeli forces deliberately targeted children, including after a ceasefire took effect in October 2025.

"The evidence shows that Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by the Israeli security forces," the

commission's chair, Srinivasan Muralidhar, said in a statement accompanying the report.

Israel rejected the findings, describing the report as "defamatory" and "libelous" and accusing the commission of ignoring Hamas' actions during the conflict. Israeli officials have consistently denied allegations of genocide and say the country's military operations are directed against Hamas while seeking to minimise civilian casualties.

The commission's report adds to growing international scrutiny of Israel's conduct during the war and may contribute to ongoing international legal proceedings and diplomatic efforts concerning the conflict.