28/09/2026 Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development
The PACE Committee on Social Affairs, Health and Sustainable Development made the following statement today:
“Almost one year after the ceasefire of 10 October 2025, the committee deplores the ongoing Israeli attacks that continue to target civilians, women and children, in Gaza. Over the past twelve months, more than 1 300 Palestinians have been killed. Since October 2023, 73 669 reported fatalities, including 21 283 children. The committee highlights a disturbing truth: in Gaza despite the ceasefire, children remain the primary victims and bear a disproportionate share of the suffering. Their plight is made all the more tragic by the international community’s failure to fully uphold the protections enshrined in international humanitarian law.
Are we in Council of Europe member states doing enough for children trapped in this conflict, and to uphold the international law we helped design? Are we truly using our political, economic, and diplomatic leverage to prevent and stop violence against children and civilians?
States have a legally binding obligation to prevent genocide. Statements have proven to be not enough. Clear actions are needed to bring Israel from its current course where it bombs innocent people almost daily, during a ceasefire.
The Council of Europe member states, especially those with seats on the UN Security Council, can and must show their leadership in upholding children’s rights and prioritising their safety and well-being, wherever they are. They should lead the way internationally in calling out human rights violations against children, demanding accountability, and investing in humanitarian programmes to save children’s lives.
Let us not ignore the voices and the suffering of the children of Gaza.”