UN Report on Gaza Prompts Global Concern Over Record Abuses Against Children

UN Raises Alarm Over Record Abuses Against Children in Conflict, Spotlight on Gaza.

The UN Security Council convened on Wednesday amid growing outrage over a devastating new report revealing an unprecedented rise in grave violations against children in armed conflicts. The report, released by Virginia Gamba, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict, documented 41,370 verified violations in 2024—the highest number since the UN began monitoring in 2005.

“This year marked a devastating new record,” Gamba told council members. “Behind these numbers are the shattered stories, dreams, and futures of over 22,000 children.”

Global Crisis, Gaza at the Center
Grave violations—including killings, maiming, sexual violence, abductions, and attacks on schools and hospitals—were recorded in 25 conflict zones. But the report singled out Israel as responsible for the highest number of verified violations by a single party in 2024, with over 7,000 attributed incidents.

In Gaza alone, the report confirmed:

2,000+ children killed or maimed

500+ attacks on schools

148 attacks on hospitals

2,263 instances where humanitarian access was denied

Algeria’s UN Ambassador, Amar Bendjama, condemned what he called the “muted response” from the UN regarding Gaza, noting only two public statements were made on the crisis despite the scale of devastation.

“This is a man-made crisis. The children of Gaza deserve protection and accountability,” he said.
“These figures are just verified cases—the real numbers are almost certainly far worse.”

Bendjama cited UNICEF data showing over 50,000 children killed or injured since the war began in late 2023, and 5,000 children under age 5 diagnosed with acute malnutrition as of May 2025.

UN Defends Methodology Amid Criticism
UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric defended the report’s scope, noting it is based on a rigorous but limited verification process mandated by the Security Council.

“This report represents only the tip of the iceberg,” he said. “Improving the system is a valid discussion—but even in its current form, it ensures the suffering of children is not forgotten.”

US Response: Hamas to Blame
US envoy Dorothy Shea defended Israel’s military conduct, asserting the blame lies with Hamas, not Israel.

“The loss of civilian life in Gaza is tragic,” Shea said. “But Hamas initiated this war and continues to use children as human shields.”

She referenced the October 7, 2023 attacks that killed 1,200 people in Israel, including 40 children, and highlighted the deaths of Ariel and Kfir Bibas, two Israeli toddlers.

“Hamas murdered the Bibas children and paraded their coffins through the streets,” she said, also accusing the group of blocking aid and targeting humanitarian workers.

UNICEF: A Global System Failure
UNICEF’s child protection director, Sheema Sen Gupta, warned the world is “failing to protect children from the horrors of war.”

Key global findings in 2024 included:

11,900 children killed or maimed

35% increase in sexual violence against children

Widespread violations in Somalia, Nigeria, DRC, and Haiti

In Congo, nearly 10,000 rapes were recorded in just two months—40% involving children. In Haiti, gang rapes and child abductions have soared as armed groups take control of major areas.

“These are not just technical violations,” Sen Gupta said. “They are acts of brutality that destroy lives.”

Signs of Hope Amid Devastation
Despite the grim statistics, the report outlined areas of progress:

16,000 children formerly associated with armed groups were released and began reintegration

New agreements were reached with armed actors in Syria, Colombia, Haiti, and the Central African Republic

“Where there is political will, progress is possible,” Sen Gupta said.

Urgent Call to Action
Both Gamba and Sen Gupta urged the international community to act immediately:

End use of explosive weapons in populated areas

Ensure protection of humanitarian workers

Fund mental health and reintegration programs

Enforce international law and hold violators accountable

Gamba concluded with a stark reminder to states:

“Children are not soldiers. They are not collateral damage. They are not bargaining chips. They are children—and they deserve justice, protection, and a future.”