In a recent development, Israel has been included in the United Nations' global list of states and armed groups that have committed violations against children, according to the country's UN envoy, Gilad Erdan. This decision comes after eight months of war in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of thousands of children. The announcement follows Israel's bombing of a UN school in central Gaza, leading to the tragic loss of more than 40 Palestinian lives, including children.

The report, compiled by the UN Secretary-General's special representative for children and armed conflict, Virginia Gamba, covers various actions against children, such as killing, maiming, sexual abuse, abduction or recruitment, denial of aid access, and targeting of schools and hospitals. The primary purpose of the list is to name and shame parties involved in conflicts in hopes of deterring violence against children.

Expressing his shock and disgust, Gilad Erdan voiced his opposition to Israel's inclusion on this year's list, calling it a "shameful" decision. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the UN of aligning with those who support "Hamas murderers." Israel's foreign minister, Israel Katz, warned that the decision would further strain the country's already fragile relations with the UN, even refusing to cooperate with the UN Relief and Works Agency (Unrwa) responsible for aiding Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria.

Concerns have been raised regarding previous years when Israel was allegedly left off the list due to political pressure. Ezequiel Heffes, the director of the human rights group Watchlist on Children and Armed Conflict, highlighted verified violations by both Israeli government forces and Palestinian armed groups that were not listed in previous reports. Once a state or group is cited for violations, the UN is expected to engage with the parties and work towards preventing future transgressions.

The decision to include Israel on the list has significant implications because it is a framework designed to protect children from the effects of armed conflict. While Israel's UN envoy dismisses the accusation, stating that Israel's army is the "most moral army in the world," critics argue that this move may aid terrorists and reward Hamas.

The announcement by the UN has sparked debates and discussions globally, emphasizing the need for continued efforts to safeguard the rights and well-being of children caught in the midst of armed conflicts.