The Florida National Organization for Women (FL NOW) condemns the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the deliberate targeting of Palestinian children, actions identified by an independent United Nations Commission of Inquiry as part of ongoing mass killing of the Palestinian people. The UN commission’s latest report documents continued killing, injury, trauma, and systemic harm inflicted on children in Gaza and the West Bank, even after the October 2025 ceasefire.
According to the UN commission, Israeli forces have continued to commit war crimes by deliberately targeting children, causing “unprecedented death, injury and trauma” to Palestinian children. The report identifies the intentional targeting of children as a key indicator of genocidal intent by Israeli authorities.
“The deliberate killing and maiming of children is a crime against humanity,” said FL NOW President Julie Kent. “The Netanyahu government’s actions violate every principle of human rights, international law, and basic human decency. We stand with global human‑rights organizations demanding a stop to the carnage and accountability.”
Children Continue to Be Killed After the Ceasefire
The UN commission found that children have continued to be killed and seriously injured even after the ceasefire, with Israel showing “continued disregard” for its obligations under international law to protect children. Eight months after the ceasefire, Israel has carried out near‑daily airstrikes, killing more than 250 children according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
Systematic Attacks on Hospitals and Reproductive Facilities
The report documents a systematic pattern of Israeli attacks on hospitals, clinics, and reproductive‑health facilities, causing devastating long‑term harm to children’s physical and psychological wellbeing.
Children Shot Near Expanding Occupation Lines
The commission also reports that Israeli forces have expanded territorial control to 70% of Gaza under Netanyahu’s direction, creating shifting “yellow” and “orange” occupation lines where hundreds of Palestinians—including children—have been shot dead for coming too close.
Violence Against Children in the West Bank
The report highlights a sharp increase in violence against Palestinian children by Israeli settlers and concludes that Israeli forces have used “unreasonable, excessive and punitive force against children” as a tool of intimidation and control.
Mass Arrests and Disappearances of Children
The commission cites mass arbitrary arrests and detentions of children, many of whom remain unaccounted for in Gaza, their whereabouts unknown.
FL NOW’s Demands
FL NOW calls for:
- Immediate cessation of Israeli military operations targeting civilians and children
As urged by the UN commission, Israel must halt military operations and comply with its obligations under international law to protect children.
- International accountability for Israeli officials responsible for war crimes
FL NOW supports the UN commission’s call for member states to arrest Israeli officials wanted by the International Criminal Court, halt arms transfers, and impose sanctions on officials and settlers responsible for crimes against children.
- Full humanitarian access and reconstruction in Gaza
Israel’s continued blockade of medical and humanitarian aid has caused “multi‑layered harm” to children’s survival and development.
- Protection of Palestinian families and children in the West Bank and East Jerusalem
The rise in settler violence and military brutality demands urgent international intervention.
- Demands coverage by all major media of the continued mass killings in Gaza and the West Bank. The press has taken its eye off this ongoing catastrophe.
FL NOW’s Statement of Solidarity
“The intentional killing of children is never collateral damage—it is a moral catastrophe,” Vice President Debbie Deland said. “FL NOW stands with Palestinian women, families, and human‑rights defenders demanding justice, safety, and liberation. These are crimes against humanity.”
FL NOW joins global human‑rights organizations in calling for an immediate end to the mass killing, full accountability for perpetrators, and protection for all Palestinian children.
Media Contact: Debbie Deland, VP FL NOW, 407 234-6408, vp@flnow.org
