Submission of the Institute for NGO Research: Need to Provide Better Protection for Children

Full Article

Click to view the full submission

[Excerpts]

Targeting of Children by Hamas Terror Group

According to the United Nations Security Council, there are six grave violations against children in times of war, including the abduction of children.

On October 7, 2023, six thousand Palestinian terrorists poured across the border from Gaza into Israel, slaughtering 1200 people, torturing and maiming thousands, and kidnapping more than 200, of which 30 were children, the youngest just nine months old. Babies and toddlers were found butchered, decapitated, or even burned alive in the remnants of the various Israeli kibbutzim. The brutal attack left 21 children from 13 families orphaned or having their parents abducted or missing. As evident on videos filmed by Hamas operatives during the masssacre, Palestinian child soldiers participated in this attack.

On October 14, 2023, NBC News published documents found on the bodies of Hamas terrorists that included maps and “specific plans of attack for each village that included the intentional targeting of women and children.” In an attempt at psychological warfare, Hamas has released disturbing videos showing armed men playing with the children, attempting to spin the narrative of their positive treatment.

In reality, according to statements by released hostages, Hamas drugged children and branded them using an exhaust pipe of a motorcycle. Any child who cried was threatened with a gun and children were forced to watch videos of Hamas atrocities committed against Israel. Following the November release of 30 children, many of the children had skin rashes, lice infestations, and infected wounds. These children will face a long psychological recovery, as they learn to live with the trauma.  

As of January 2025, two children under the age of 18 still remain hostage in Gaza after 475 days in captivity.