13 Children Killed in the West Bank Since Year Began: UNICEF
Jerusalem, February 12, 2025 – The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of violence in the West Bank, which has resulted in the killing of 13 children since the beginning of the year.
“Every child deserves to grow up in a safe and peaceful environment,” said Ted Chaiban, UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa. “The killing of children is a grave violation of their rights and must stop immediately.”
According to UNICEF, the majority of child fatalities have occurred in the context of Israeli military operations, with children being killed by live ammunition, rubber bullets, and tear gas inhalation.
The agency also noted that the ongoing violence has disrupted access to essential services for children, including education and healthcare. Schools and health clinics have been closed, and children are living in constant fear and insecurity.
“Children are particularly vulnerable to the effects of violence and conflict,” said Chaiban. “They may suffer physical injuries, emotional trauma, and developmental problems that can have long-lasting consequences.”
UNICEF has called on all parties to the conflict to prioritize the protection of children and to uphold their obligations under international law. The agency has also urged for an immediate end to the violence and for a just and peaceful resolution to the conflict.
In addition to the 13 children killed, UNICEF reported that hundreds of children have been injured in the West Bank since the beginning of the year. The agency called for enhanced medical care and psychosocial support for children affected by the violence.
The international community has condemned the killing of children in the West Bank and called for an end to the violence. The United Nations Security Council is scheduled to meet on February 15 to discuss the situation in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Background
The West Bank has been under Israeli military occupation since 1967. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been ongoing for decades, with sporadic outbreaks of violence. In recent months, tensions have escalated between Israelis and Palestinians, leading to increased violence and civilian casualties.
Recommendations
UNICEF recommends the following actions to protect children in the West Bank:
- An immediate end to the violence
- Respect for international law and the protection of civilians
- Ensuring access to essential services for children, including education and healthcare
- Provision of medical care and psychosocial support for children affected by the violence
- An independent investigation into the killing of children
- Accountability for those responsible for the killing of children
- A just and peaceful resolution to the conflict
13 children killed in the West Bank since year began: UNICEF
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