25/06/2026 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
PACE’s General Rapporteur on the situation of women and children in the Palestinian territories, Joseph O'Reilly (Ireland, EPP/CD), made the following statement today:
“I am deeply shocked by the latest findings and analysis of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel. The new report contains grave allegations that demand our urgent attention. According to the Commission, credible evidence shows that Israeli forces have deliberately targeted Palestinian children in Gaza, actions that may constitute underlying acts of genocide.
I am horrified that the report documents the systematic targeting of neonatal and maternity services, resulting in a rise in miscarriages and congenital disorders, thereby fundamentally threatening the continuity of the Palestinian population. It further highlights that the destruction of healthcare, education and protective structures risks causing irreversible harm to Palestinian children, whose future is shadowed by traumatic experiences, deprivation and displacement. In addition, the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid and the resulting famine have been cited as compounding the crisis, with deadly effects.
The mounting independent evidence cannot be ignored. I reiterate the obligation of all parties to comply fully with international humanitarian law and the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
I call on the Israeli government and parliament to immediately cease the deliberate targeting and killing of Palestinian children. Those responsible for these crimes must be held to account for their actions. The international community’s absolute priority now must be the protection of the Palestinian children.”