UNICEF: Occupation forces killed 174 Palestinian children in the West Bank
Ramallah (Agencies): Hanan Sukari, Deputy Executive Director of UNICEF, warned of the continued deterioration of the humanitarian and legal situation for children in the West Bank, noting that violations of children’s rights have become a disturbing pattern. Speaking before the UN Security Council, Sukari revealed shocking UN statistics, confirming that 174 Palestinian children were killed in the West Bank between January 2024 and the end of July 2026, at a rate exceeding one child per week. More than 1,500 children were injured, nearly half by live ammunition. During the same period, three Israeli children were killed and 15 others injured. The official noted that boys, especially young ones, constitute the vast majority of victims.
The UN official expressed deep concern over the situation of detained children, pointing out that the Israeli Prison Service is currently holding at least 355 Palestinian children, the highest number in eight years. Among them, 164 are held in administrative detention without charge or trial. Reports continue to emerge of violence, ill-treatment, harsh conditions, lack of nutrition, and poor hygiene, leading to weight loss and the spread of scabies among them.
Regarding education, Sukari revealed that more than 800,000 children in the West Bank face obstacles preventing them from accessing safe and continuous education due to school closures, insecurity, and movement restrictions.
Meanwhile, Israeli occupation forces demolished dozens of commercial and industrial facilities in Jenin, north of the occupied West Bank, yesterday, and also demolished a house in Bethlehem, south of the West Bank, alongside raids and arrests in various areas.
Tareq Ighbariya, the settlement file official in Jenin governorate, stated that occupation bulldozers began demolishing approximately 40 commercial and industrial facilities along the bypass road (settlement route) near the Badia roundabout east of Jenin, close to the village of Aba, extending to the town of Zababdeh southeast of Jenin. Ighbariya confirmed that occupation forces had notified more than 40 facilities, including shops and commercial and industrial sites, about their demolition approximately two weeks ago, citing lack of permits and designating the area as military zone.
