In a highly controversial move, the United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced the inclusion of Israel, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the UN blacklist of countries and non-state actors that commit serious violations against children in armed conflict. This decision comes as a result of the recent Gaza war, which has raised international concerns about the welfare of children caught in the crossfire.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded swiftly to the news, condemning the decision and emphasizing the Israeli Defense Forces' commitment to moral conduct. Netanyahu stated, "The IDF is the most moral army in the world; no delusional UN decision will change that." Israel being listed in the annex of the annual report marks a significant first for a democratic nation.

Israel is apprehensive about the potential consequences this blacklisting may have on its defense agreements and arms agreements with other member states of the UN. Additionally, the International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan's pursuit of arrest warrants against top Israeli and Hamas leaders further complicates the situation for Israel.

The decision also coincides with the International Court of Justice currently examining South Africa's claim that Israel is violating the 1948 genocide convention. These parallel legal proceedings add to the mounting pressure on Israel and its standing in the global community.

Following Israel's inclusion on the blacklist, a monitoring group will be established to assess its future actions and set criteria for removal from the list. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Gilad Erdan, expressed his outrage over the decision, stating, "This immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas. Now Hamas will continue to use schools and hospitals, prolonging the suffering and extending the war."

Guterres's spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, expressed shock at Ambassador Erdan's public release of a private conversation. Meanwhile, the US is engaged in a diplomatic campaign to demonstrate a decrease in international support for Hamas, with the goal of pressuring the group to negotiate a settlement that would secure the release of hostages and end the Gaza war.

Israeli politicians across the spectrum condemned the UN's actions, with Foreign Minister Israel Katz warning of potential consequences for Israel's relationship with the UN. Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, hailed the decision, viewing it as a step towards holding Israel accountable for its alleged crimes.

Energy Minister Eli Cohen echoed the sentiment of many Israeli officials, criticizing the UN for rewarding terrorist organizations and portraying Israel as an indiscriminate violator of human rights. Cohen emphasized Israel's commitment to protecting civilian populations and reaffirmed the determination to defeat Hamas and secure the safe return of hostages.

The inclusion of Israel, Hamas, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in the UN's blacklist for violating children's rights in armed conflict sets the stage for a contentious period of monitoring and evaluation. The fraught relationship between Israel and the international community continues to face challenges, as various legal proceedings and political debates shape the future course of action.