The United Nations is set to add Israel and Hamas to its global list of entities accused of violating children's rights. This decision comes ahead of the UN's annual report submission to the Security Council next week. A UN spokesperson confirmed to AP News that Israeli authorities have been notified of this decision.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres will include Israel and Hamas on the annual global list of countries and groups violating children's rights in armed conflicts. Other countries on the list include Russia, Syria, Yemen, Myanmar and Iraq.
Thousands of Palestinian children have been killed during Israel's invasion of Gaza, which began after the October 7 terrorist attacks by Hamas and other militants on Israel. The exact number of casualties varies, but the decision to add Israel to the list has further strained relations between the UN and Israel. These relations have been deteriorating since Israel's military campaign in Gaza commenced after the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7.
Gilad Erdan, Israel's ambassador to the UN, expressed his anger at the secretary-general's decision on X, saying, "The only one who is blacklisted today is the secretary-general whose decisions since the war started and even before are rewarding terrorists and incentivizing them to use children for terror acts."
Erdan condemned the decision, stating that Hamas has been using children for terrorism and uses schools and hospitals for this purpose. He believes the decision to add Israel to the list is "outrageous and wrong."
In May, Erdan sparked controversy during a General Assembly emergency special session when he pulled out a portable shredder and symbolically destroyed the UN Charter.
12 Comments
Matzomaster
The UN's decision sends a strong message that using children in armed conflicts will not be tolerated.
Rotfront
It's important for the UN to hold all countries and groups accountable for violations of children's rights.
Karamba
It's unfair to blame Israel for defending itself against terrorist attacks.
Rotfront
This is a political move by the UN and has nothing to do with protecting children's rights.
KittyKat
Children should never be used as tools of war, and the UN is right to condemn those who do so.
Coccinella
It's a step in the right direction for the UN to address the impact of armed conflicts on children.
ZmeeLove
This decision will only further fuel the conflict between Israel and Hamas.
Bella Ciao
It's disappointing to see the UN playing politics instead of working towards real solutions.
Comandante
The UN should be focusing on promoting peace, not further demonizing Israel.
Mariposa
How can the UN justify putting Israel on the same list as countries like Syria and Russia?
Coccinella
This is just another biased attack on Israel by the UN.
ArtemK
The UN's action shows that no country or group is above being accountable for their actions.