SouthernWorldwide.com – Israel has vehemently denounced a recent United Nations Commission of Inquiry report, labeling it a “political blood libel” for its allegations that the Jewish state deliberately targeted Palestinian children.
Previous reports from the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Including East Jerusalem, and Israel have previously faced accusations of antisemitism and incitement to violence.
The latest report, released on Wednesday, states that based on the evidence reviewed and consistent with its prior findings, the Commission has reasonable grounds to believe that Israeli authorities and security forces have continued to commit the crime of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes in the Gaza Strip, as well as war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
This development follows previous strong reactions, with a UN expert having reiterated claims of genocide against Israel, prompting calls for her removal. Israeli officials have consistently refuted such accusations.
Israel has pledged to continue defending its citizens and combating terrorism, irrespective of the number of unsubstantiated reports issued by what they deem “fringe actors” within UN institutions.
The Israeli ambassador has previously voiced strong criticism towards UN officials and condemned statements made by the UK, France, and Canada concerning aid, highlighting ongoing diplomatic tensions.
Srinivasan Muralidhar, Chair of the Commission, informed reporters during a press briefing that the evidence indicates Palestinian children have been deliberately targeted and killed by Israeli security forces. Muralidhar added that even after the ceasefire in October 2025, children continue to be killed and seriously injured, with Israel allegedly showing continued disregard for the ceasefire and the protection owed to Palestinian children under international law.
A counterpoint was raised regarding the COI’s focus, with a specific report on children failing to mention the deaths of 9-month-old Kfir Bibas and 4-year-old Ariel Bibas. Furthermore, the report allegedly overlooks the trauma experienced by hundreds of thousands of Israeli children due to the October 7th events, subsequent displacement, and the absence of parents defending their country.
This criticism comes amidst broader discourse, with Prime Minister Netanyahu having previously shown a picture of the Bibas family at a combat officers’ graduation, emphasizing the stakes of the ongoing conflict.
Concerns have also been raised about the timing of the report’s release. Bayefsky complained that the Commission members allegedly “deliberately withheld” the report, which was produced weeks prior, until just minutes before a press conference designed to avoid accountability for what she termed “wild, unverified accusations.” This occurred shortly before a discussion at the Human Rights Council.
Another commission member stated that any reader of the report would conclude that Israeli authorities have violated every international legal norm concerning Palestinian children and must be held accountable.
This member further described the report as an “escalation” and potentially the most significant attempt by the UN system to delegitimize Israel.
Conricus argued that the report deliberately omits Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad from the battlefield narrative, creating a false impression that Israel acted out of aggression without justification. He also pointed out a recurring theme where these reports utilize statements from medical professionals as evidence, even when the information extends beyond their medical expertise, particularly regarding the nature of inflicted wounds.
