In an interview with CNBC-TV18, Srinivasan Muralidhar, Chair of the Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, stated the investigation uncovered evidence indicating that children were specifically attacked during the conflict.
“One of the most distressing findings is the use of what I refer to as quadcopters, equipped with thermal imaging cameras, that are deliberately targeting children,” Muralidhar explained. He noted that children were subjected to “singular gunshot wounds to their heads and necks to inflict maximum harm.”
The report claims that more than 20,000 Palestinian children have died and over 44,000 have been injured since October 7, 2023. According to the commission, the repercussions extend far beyond casualty numbers, leading to widespread trauma, displacement, orphanhood, and significant destruction of educational and healthcare facilities.
Muralidhar mentioned that thousands of injured children were unable to receive proper treatment due to hospitals lacking essential medical supplies. “In just two months, from October to December 2023, there were over 1,000 amputations involving infants and children losing one or more limbs,” he stated.
The commission also emphasized the educational impact, estimating that 97% of schools in the Occupied Palestinian Territory have been damaged, while 95% of universities have suffered effects. Consequently, many children have lost three years of formal education.
“What is most alarming, therefore, is that we have undermined the future of a large generation of Palestinian children,” Muralidhar remarked.
The report further contends that Palestinian children have faced detention, torture, and various forms of mistreatment in Israeli prisons. Concerns were also raised regarding the whereabouts of some detained minors.
In addressing the commission’s findings on violence against children, Muralidhar indicated that evidence had been collected through testimonies from victims, medical professionals, video recordings, audio evidence, and forensic analysis. He highlighted that the commission employed a team of specialists who validated evidence before arriving at any conclusions.
“Unless they are entirely confident in the quality of the evidence, they do not reach a finding. Thus, we are on solid ground regarding our findings,” he stated.
Muralidhar explained that the commission concluded that children were targeted because they represent the future of Palestinian society.
“Children embody the biological and social continuity of the Palestinians. Therefore, it is a very intentional policy to target children to prevent any future for the Palestinian community,” he noted.
The report also claims that medical facilities and healthcare professionals have come under fire. Muralidhar stated that five of Gaza’s six pediatric care facilities had been destroyed, along with neonatal care units, leaving critically ill children without necessary treatment.
Israel has consistently rejected the findings of UN investigative bodies, asserting that they are biased. Muralidhar explained that the United Nations still invites Israeli participation in its proceedings but has not received cooperation from Israeli authorities.
Regarding possible accountability measures, Muralidhar indicated that countries whose citizens have served in the Israeli Defense Forces could pursue legal action under domestic laws consistent with international humanitarian law. He also mentioned ongoing proceedings at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court.
“The time for merely expressing condemnation and outrage has passed. People are seeking action because we are witnessing generations of Gazan and Palestinian children suffering today, and immediate action is necessary,” he asserted.
