In a significant move, the United Nations has included Israel on its "blacklist" of countries that have committed abuses against children in armed conflict. The decision comes as the Israeli military continues its assault on the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of thousands of Palestinian children. Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, confirmed the news, expressing outrage and condemning the decision as "simply outrageous and wrong."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres informed Erdan of the decision, prompting the Israeli envoy to denounce the Secretary-General for allegedly encouraging terrorism and harboring hatred towards Israel. Guterres's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, clarified that the call to Erdan was a courtesy extended to newly listed countries on the "Children in Armed Conflict" report. The report, which highlights violations against children such as killing, maiming, sexual violence, and attacks on schools and hospitals, is set to be presented to the UN Security Council on June 14.

Despite previous criticisms from Palestinian rights advocates for not including Israel on the list of shame, Guterres's decision to add Israel has been welcomed by senior Palestinian official Riad Malki, who stated that it was long overdue. Rights groups have also condemned the dire toll of Israel's bombardment and siege on Gaza, particularly on Palestinian children. According to the Gaza government media office, more than 15,000 children have been killed in Israeli attacks since October, contributing to widespread suffering in the region.

The UN's child rights agency UNICEF recently reported that nine out of ten Palestinian children in Gaza were living in severe child food poverty, surviving on diets consisting of two or fewer food groups per day. This marked a significant increase from 2020 when only 13 percent of children experienced severe child food poverty. Additionally, the World Health Organization highlighted that more than four in five Palestinian children in Gaza had gone without food for at least a whole day in the three days leading up to a food insecurity survey.

Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCIP) shed light on the critical injuries sustained by Palestinian children due to Israel's military assault, as well as the collapsing healthcare system that has hindered their access to adequate care. Reports from DCIP reveal the long-lasting physical and psychological trauma faced by Palestinian children, with many struggling to receive necessary medical attention and facing barriers to their daily activities.

The UN's decision to include Israel on the "blacklist" has garnered mixed reactions. While Palestinian rights advocates and officials applaud the move as a step towards justice, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz vehemently criticized the decision, calling it "shameful" and warning of potential consequences for Israel's relations with the UN.

As the report is set to be officially published in the coming days, its inclusion of Israel highlights the urgent need to address the violations against children in armed conflict and take steps to ensure their protection and well-being.