James Elder, spokesperson for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), says at least 70 Palestinian children have been killed in the occupied West Bank since the beginning of 2025.
Speaking at a press conference in Geneva, Elder said that on average at least one Palestinian child has been killed every week during this period.
According to UNICEF, around 850 other children have also been injured.
Elder stated that Palestinian children in the West Bank are facing multiple forms of violence, including shootings, knife attacks, beatings, and the use of pepper spray by Israeli soldiers and settlers.
UNICEF warned that children are being directly exposed to insecurity and daily violence.
Human rights experts say the rising number of child casualties in the West Bank is intensifying concerns about the humanitarian and human rights situation in Palestinian territories.
Analysts warn that prolonged exposure to violence can have deep psychological and social consequences for future generations of Palestinians.
According to specialists, children growing up in environments marked by fear, instability, and armed conflict face increased risks of long-term trauma, anxiety disorders, and broader social crises.
The report comes as tensions and clashes across Palestinian areas have increased in recent months, prompting repeated warnings from international organizations about the condition of civilians, particularly children.
Experts also caution that when violence becomes normalized in children’s daily lives, the effects may extend far beyond immediate casualties, shaping social behavior, trust, education, and mental health for years to come.
