Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed 235 Palestinian children and teenagers in the West Bank, with an additional five deaths attributed to settlers, according to data cited by human rights organizations. These fatalities occur amid tightened military engagement rules and widespread reports of impunity, as documented by reports from B’Tselem and a UN independent international commission of inquiry.
Did You Know? The human rights group B’Tselem published a report titled Unshielded Childhood, which analyzes 54 cases of Palestinian minors killed by Israeli forces in 2025 alone, finding no evidence that any of the individuals posed a threat to security.
The Case of Mohammad al-Halaq
On October 16, 2024, nine-year-old Mohammad al-Halaq was shot in the pelvis by an Israeli soldier in ar-Rihiya, south of Hebron. According to his mother, Aliyah, the boy had been playing outdoors after showing off a new school bag provided by Unicef. Witnesses state that Mohammad was playing football in a school playground when two army Jeeps approached, causing the children to scatter. A video shows a soldier aiming a rifle toward a hilltop where boys were watching; Mohammad collapsed shortly after shots were fired. Efforts by others to reach the wounded boy were reportedly impeded by further gunfire and teargas.
Official Military Responses and Accountability
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintains that it does not intentionally target uninvolved civilians. A spokesperson for the IDF stated that all allegations of harm are examined and investigated, noting that the military remains committed to international law while operating to dismantle terrorist cells. However, data from the human rights organization Yesh Din indicates that no Israeli has been indicted for the killing of a Palestinian since October 2023. B’Tselem executive director Yuli Novak has characterized the current military policy as one that provides a “licence to kill” without accountability, a claim the IDF rejects by asserting that the vast majority of those killed were involved in terrorist activity.
Broader Findings on Child Fatalities
Reports from the UN and human rights monitors describe a pattern of lethal force used against minors. A UN independent international commission of inquiry concluded that Israeli security forces have “deliberately targeted” Palestinian children, characterizing these actions as war crimes in the West Bank. The commission’s chair, Srinivasan Muralidhar, stated that children continue to be killed and injured despite international law protections.
The circumstances of these deaths vary. Rimas Amuri, 13, was shot in the back near her home in the Jenin refugee camp in February 2024. While the IDF claimed soldiers identified a “suspicious figure” and initiated arrest procedures, B’Tselem investigators noted that witnesses heard no warning calls and that the girl was within 40 meters of soldiers. In January 2024, two-year-old Layla al-Khatib was killed inside her home in Muthallath a-Shuhada after soldiers commandeered a nearby building during an incursion.
Expert Insight
Expert Insight: The disparity between official military statements and findings from international human rights bodies highlights a breakdown in transparency. The lack of indictments since October 2023, paired with the UN commission’s findings of deliberate targeting, suggests that the current military engagement rules in the West Bank are creating a systemic environment where civilian protection is secondary to counter-terrorism operations. The persistence of these incidents, even during ceasefire periods, points to a structural failure in the enforcement of international humanitarian law.
What May Happen Next
The IDF has stated that the cases of al-Halaq, Amuri, and al-Khatib are currently under investigation by the Military Police Criminal Investigation Division. Once these investigations conclude, findings will be submitted to the military advocate general’s corps for review. Given the historical data provided by Yesh Din, it is uncertain whether these internal processes will lead to indictments. International observers and UN commissions may continue to press for external oversight, though the current trajectory suggests continued military operations in West Bank cities and camps remain the priority for Israeli security forces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the stated reason for the shooting of Rimas Amuri?
The IDF told Haaretz that soldiers identified a “suspicious figure” and initiated a suspect-arrest procedure. When she failed to respond to calls, they fired at her lower body.
How has the IDF responded to allegations of targeting children?
An IDF spokesperson stated the military does not “intentionally target uninvolved civilians” and that every allegation of harm is investigated. The military also maintains that most Palestinians killed by their troops were involved in terrorist activity.
What did the UN commission conclude regarding the West Bank?
A UN independent international commission of inquiry reported that Israeli security forces have “deliberately targeted” Palestinian children, resulting in war crimes within the West Bank.
How does the international community ensure accountability for the safety of children in conflict zones?
