The commission headed by Justice Muralidhar has placed before the world a stark and damning conclusion: by intentionally targeting children, Israel is aiming to destroy the very foundations of Palestinian existence in Gaza. The report, released on 2 July 2026, documents systematic attacks on children, including airstrikes on schools, hospitals, and residential buildings, as well as the use of explosive weapons with wide-area effects in densely populated areas.
Key Findings of the Commission
The commission found that Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October 2023 have resulted in the deaths of over 15,000 children, accounting for nearly 40% of all casualties. The report states that these killings are not collateral damage but a deliberate strategy to terrorize the civilian population and render Gaza uninhabitable for future generations. According to the commission, Israel has targeted children playing in streets, attending school, and seeking shelter in UN facilities.
International Law Violations
The commission concluded that Israel's actions constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The deliberate targeting of children violates the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. The report also highlights the use of starvation as a method of warfare, with children suffering from severe malnutrition and dehydration due to the blockade on food, water, and medical supplies.
Global Response Demanded
Justice Muralidhar called on the international community to take immediate action, including imposing sanctions on Israel, referring the situation to the International Criminal Court, and ensuring humanitarian access to Gaza. "The world cannot remain silent while children are being systematically killed. This is a moral crisis that demands accountability," he said in a statement.
Impact on Palestinian Society
The report warns that the destruction of Gaza's child population will have long-term consequences for Palestinian society, including the loss of a generation of doctors, teachers, and engineers. It also notes that the psychological trauma experienced by surviving children will affect their ability to rebuild their lives and communities. The commission urges the United Nations to establish a special tribunal to prosecute those responsible.
