Unicef UK has urgently called on Israeli authorities to protect Palestinian children in the West Bank, following a surge in violence that has killed at least one child every week since January 2025. Dr Philip Goodwin, chief executive of Unicef UK, made the appeal after returning from a visit to the region, where he witnessed the daily fear and intimidation faced by families.
Witnessing the Crisis Firsthand
Dr Goodwin described his visit to Hebron’s militarised H2 area, where movement is heavily restricted. Children must pass through checkpoints to reach school, and their usual routes are permanently closed. A group of mothers recounted routine humiliation and intimidation. “The streets were empty, people afraid to be outside,” he said.
Just days before his visit, a seven-month-old infant died after being shot by Israeli forces while sitting on his mother’s lap in a car. “He had not yet had the chance to take his first steps,” Dr Goodwin noted, emphasising that such incidents are not isolated.
Escalating Violence and International Law
Since January 2025, at least one Palestinian child has been killed on average every week in the West Bank, according to Unicef. Dr Goodwin stressed that the world must not allow this violence to become normalised. “For nine-year-old Mohammad, and the many other children who have lost their lives and rights, there must be global outrage and condemnation,” he said.
Unicef calls on Israeli authorities to take immediate action to protect Palestinian children, in line with international law. The organisation also urges UN member states with influence to use their leverage to ensure child protection and respect for international law.
