Overview
The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, chaired by former Indian Chief Justice Dr. S Muralidhar, released a 100‑page report covering the period 7 Oct 2023 to 31 Mar 2026. The document documents systematic attacks on Palestinian children, large‑scale destruction of education infrastructure, and a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the West Bank.
Key Developments
- Evidence of deliberate targeting of children through air‑strikes, drones, sniper fire and other weapons.
- More than 20,000 children killed and 44,000 injured since Oct 2023; children constitute ~30% of all deaths.
- Destruction of education: 97% of schools in Gaza damaged or destroyed; 95% of universities affected, with 22 of 38 universities completely razed.
- Humanitarian fallout: 151 child deaths from malnutrition (as of 1 Oct 2025) and over 1,000 amputations (Oct‑Dec 2023).
- Orphan crisis: an estimated 58,054 children lost one or both parents (Oct 2023‑Oct 2025).
- Settler violence in the West Bank is described as a tool for unlawful territorial expansion, aligning state policy with civilian settler groups.
- The Commission reiterates that Hamas also committed grave abuses, but stresses that Israeli actions amount to crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Important Facts
The report states that attacks on children are intended to weaken the demographic vitality of Palestinians and undermine their self‑determination. It also notes that the October 2025 ceasefire has not alleviated civilian casualties or humanitarian shortfalls.
Exam Relevance
This development touches multiple GS papers. For GS 1, it illustrates the role of UN mechanisms in investigating alleged violations of international law and the dynamics of the Israel‑Palestine conflict. For GS 2, it highlights issues of state responsibility, the use of settler groups to further territorial aims, and the challenges of implementing ceasefire agreements. GS 3 students can examine the economic impact of massive infrastructure loss on Gaza’s future. GS 4 aspirants may discuss the ethical implications of targeting children and the responsibility of international actors to prevent genocide.
Way Forward
The Commission urges member states, the UN Security Council and other bodies to act on its recommendations, including initiating judicial investigations and ensuring accountability for both state and individual actors. It calls for increased humanitarian assistance, reconstruction of schools and universities, and mechanisms to protect children and pregnant women as essential for preserving the future of Palestinian society.