The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) in London delivered an oral statement as part of Agenda Item 2 of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva.

“Palestinian Children continue to be the permanent targets of Israeli bombings and shoot-to-kill policy at a shocking scale”, PRC told the UNHRC.

PRC speaker warned that children in the blockaded Gaza Strip continue to be in a relentless state of shock as a result of the death of their parents, best friends, relatives, and neighbours in Israel’s bloody air attacks. They are growing up prematurely and are exposed to great traumas that are beyond their age and endurance.

“Israel’s killing and maiming of children make a criterion that by itself classifies Israel as an apartheid state by excellence.

This year, Israel’s five-day offensive on Gaza claimed the lives of 33 Palestinians, including six children and three women”, added PRC.

The Centre said these unlawful attacks represent flagrant violations of children’s human rights and relevant UN resolutions.

“Child killings are not acceptable. All children must be protected, everywhere, from all forms of violence and grave violations”, said PRC, stressing that “as per UN resolutions, Member States have the primary responsibility to protect, respect, and fulfill children’s rights, both in times of peace and in times of war.”