UN bashes 'Israel' for unconscionable killing of Palestinian children

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
11 Aug 2022 20:14
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Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, said in a statement that "Inflicting hurt on any child during the course of conflict is deeply disturbing,"

19 children were among 45 Palestinians killed by Israeli bombardment between 5-7 August 2022 (MEE)

The UN human rights chief expressed "concern" on Thursday about the number of Palestinian children killed and injured this month and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.

Last week, “Israel” unleashed brutal aggression on Gaza which lasted for three days.

"Inflicting hurt on any child during the course of conflict is deeply disturbing," Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, said in a statement.

"The killing and maiming of so many children this year is unconscionable."

Bachelet’s office reported that 19 Palestinian children had been killed in Gaza during the recent aggression, bringing the total number of Palestinian children killed this year to 37.

"In a number of incidents, children were the majority of casualties," Bachelet's office said.

"Such attacks must stop."

If not killed by “Israel”, children in Gaza are left traumatized

In Gaza, the cost of war on children affects everyone, not just those who are killed or injured.

In the Israeli aggression in May 2021, the 11-day war resulted in the martyrdom of 66 children, and those who stayed alive were marred by deep emotional traumas.

"Israel" butchers childhood in cold blood.

Alaa, the five-year-old #Palestinian child, had her dreams crushed, her childhood memories squashed, and her life snatched away by none other than the brutal, blood-thirsty, child-killing Israeli occupation.#GazaUnderAttack #Gaza https://t.co/MLiebvYI9s
— Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) August 7, 2022

A mostly silent consequence of the heinous war is its impact on the mental and psychosocial well-being of people who are already living under the brutal Israeli occupation. This is particularly true for children.

91% of Gazan children suffered from some form of trauma to say the least, according to a report from the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, a Geneva-based independent, nonprofit organization that the Israeli occupation government outlawed in 2016.

What is a “normal” situation to many Palestinian children is an incredibly stressful life event: the loss of a parent or a loved one. Such a taxing life event is a severe emotional blow to the future of the child’s well-being.

Despite all the pain, sadness, fear, and loss, those children still like to read, draw, play sports, and have fun with their friends. They still have hopes and dreams for a better future where Palestine is free.