Presentation of Report<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nDANIEL MERON,\u00a0Permanent Representative of Israel to the United Nations Office at Geneva and co-head of the delegation<\/u><\/strong>, said Israel was engaged in a multifront war, forced upon the country on 7 October with the worst massacre against the Jewish people since the Holocaust.\u00a0 Today, 101 hostages, including two little children, remained in Gaza. \u00a0It was inconceivable that children were taken and held as hostages.\u00a0 This weekend, the State received devastating news that six hostages who had survived 11 months had been executed by Hamas.\u00a0 The reality for children and youth in Israel had changed completely since 7 October.<\/span><\/p>\nSince that date, rockets continued to indiscriminately target the civilian population in Israel from the north and south. \u00a0Over 100,000 people were still displaced from their homes and communities.\u00a0 The toll that the unwanted war had taken on children in Israel and in Gaza was tragic. \u00a0It was important to remember that Hamas terrorism was the first and foremost cause of suffering in Gaza. \u00a0Israel had repeatedly asserted its commitment to uphold international humanitarian law. \u00a0A polio vaccination campaign began this week in Central Gaza, in full coordination with Israel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nChildren could not thrive under the brutal grip of a savage terrorist regime, Hamas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe war against Hamas should not misguide these discussions from the purpose of discussing Israel\u2019s implementation of the Convention.\u00a0 Israel worked in the international arena concerning the rights of children, and Israel\u2019s civil society was contributing to children\u2019s rights globally. \u00a0Save a Child\u2019s Heart, which received the United Nations Population Award in 2018, treated children suffering from heart disease who had little access to care in their own countries. \u00a0Some 7,000 children from 70 countries had been treated since 1995, half of them Palestinians.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMr. Meron concluded by stating that Israel maintained that human rights conventions applied only within territories in which a State applied its sovereignty. In the current state of international law, it was Israel\u2019s view that the law of armed conflict and human rights law remained distinct and applied in different circumstances. The law of armed conflict was the relevant and specific applicable body of law in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank.<\/span><\/p>\nITAMAR DONENFELD,<\/strong>\u00a0Director General of the Ministry of Justice of Israel and co-head of the delegation<\/u><\/strong>, said the massacre of 7 October would forever stand as one of the darkest days in history.\u00a0 On that day, thousands of Hamas terrorists invaded Israel and murdered, raped, tortured and took civilians hostage.\u00a0 More than 1,200 people were slaughtered and more than 6,000 were injured.\u00a0 Over 250 people were taken hostage by Hamas that day, including 36 babies and children aged between 9 months and 18 years.\u00a0 No child should ever endure such horrors.\u00a0 Israel was also under a multi-front attack, orchestrated by Iran.\u00a0 One day after Hamas attacked, Hezbollah initiated an indiscriminate attack on Israeli civilians and continued to do so.\u00a0 Twelve young children had been murdered, following a direct hit by Hezbollah missiles on the soccer field where they played.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhile Israel did everything in its power to avoid harming children, Hamas and Hezbollah did everything in their power to harm children and use them as human shields.\u00a0 The Committee must clearly condemn these terrorist organizations and support Israel in its military efforts to release all the hostages.\u00a0 The Committee should avoid making factually incorrect statements and ensure all reports were free from political bias.\u00a0 The rights of children must remain among the political agendas, and the Committee must respond to the atrocities with the full weight of its powers.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsrael had made efforts to improve children\u2019s rights over the past few years.\u00a0 In 2022, a committee on children and youth rights was established.\u00a0 Following the 7 October massacre, a roundtable was established, focused on addressing the issue of children and youth in war.\u00a0 A report had been drafted, which presented the challenges faced by children since the massacre.\u00a0 This would be shared with the Committee.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nApproximately 20,000 children and youth sustained psychological and physical damage as a result of the war.\u00a0 Tens of thousands of children continued to be displaced by the war.\u00a0 Several pieces of legislation adopted included the 2016 foster care law and the 2020 amendment to the legal capacity and guardianship law.\u00a0 An online protection hotline was established, providing protection support by police officers and the Government for children and youth who were victims of violence.\u00a0 The Government was committed to fostering strong partnerships with civil society organizations and maintained an open dialogue with Israel\u2019s Youth Council.\u00a0 The delegation stood ready for a constructive and open dialogue.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nQuestions by Committee Experts<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nBRAGI GUDBRANDSSON,\u00a0Committee Expert and Coordinator of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u><\/strong>, said it was the view of the Committee that international human rights law and international humanitarian law were applicable in the occupied Palestinian territory, namely Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.\u00a0 It followed that Israel should act according to the obligations entailed in the Convention, and refrain from acts contrary to the Convention and its Optional Protocols.\u00a0 It was clearly stated that Israel continued to reject the Committee\u2019s legal interpretation regarding its obligations of the Convention. \u00a0However, in the replies to the list of issues, Israel recognised the State\u2019s obligations under international humanitarian law and maintained that the State party applied the rules derived from the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality in carrying out military attacks.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Committee would conduct the review in line with this understanding, first addressing clusters one to six, and secondly clusters seven to 11. \u00a0These questions would cover the situation of children living in Israel, as well as some of the historic child rights issues in the occupied territories. \u00a0Finally, the Committee wished to submit questions in relation to Israel\u2019s obligations with regard to the military operation in Gaza and the West Bank, which the delegation was expected to answer tomorrow morning.\u00a0 The Committee was deeply sorry for Israel\u2019s loss on 7 October.\u00a0 At the same time, their hearts went out to the children of Gaza, thousands who had lost their lives, were injured, and had lost their families.<\/span><\/p>\nHad the State party taken any steps to revise the Basic Law in line with the recommendations by other treaty bodies?\u00a0 Had any measures been taken to repeal discriminatory laws and policies that disadvantaged non-Jewish children, ensuring that all children in Israel had equal rights and opportunities?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn 2019, Guidelines were developed for the law on the implementation of the indication of information regarding legislation influences on the rights of the child 2002-5762.\u00a0 The Committee welcomed this legislation.\u00a0 Did the implementation of the Guidelines stipulate mandatory child-rights impact assessment procedures for policies relevant to children?\u00a0 How were they applied in practice?\u00a0 Had they resulted in changes in legislation and policy which strengthened the rights of children in Israel?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe State party had not developed and adopted a comprehensive policy and action plan on children\u2019s rights; did such a policy exist?\u00a0 Were there regular assessments and evaluations made on the implementation of policies regarding children?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHad the Israeli Government considered establishing a human rights institution in line with the Paris Principles?\u00a0 What avenues were currently available for children to access justice if their rights were violated?\u00a0 Had the State party considered implementing child rights-based budgeting, especially in regard to marginalised children, including Bedouin children?\u00a0 The Committee was deeply concerned about legislation which restricted the activities of civil society organizations working on children\u2019s rights.\u00a0 What measures had been taken to ensure that laws and anti-terrorist legislation were in line with the rule of law and human rights?<\/span><\/p>\nMr. Gudbrandsson welcomed the many recently introduced multidisciplinary and evidence-based services with the aim of supporting families at risk of separation.\u00a0 Were these services accessible for all Israeli citizens irrespective of their ethnicity and where they lived? \u00a0What was the availability and access to childcare facilities and afterschool care for Palestinian, Bedouin, asylum-seeking and migrant children?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Israeli family unification ban denied many children born from parents with mixed identity cards from Israel, East Jerusalem and or the West Bank from their rights to enjoy their childhood and violated their rights to maintain contact with their parents.\u00a0 The Committee, along with other human rights treaty bodies, had called on Israel to repeal this law.\u00a0 Could data be provided on the total number of children affected by the ban?\u00a0 What measures was the State party taking to address the harmful impacts of the family unification ban on children?<\/span><\/p>\nMr. Gudbrandsson welcomed the 2016 Foster Care Act, and the Ministry of Welfare Guidelines which stated that children under the age of eight should be placed in foster care.\u00a0 However, it was concerning that in practice only a small proportion of children were placed in foster care compared to those placed in residential institutions.\u00a0 Did the State of Israel have a deinstitutionalisation policy in line with international standards?\u00a0What was the explanation for this gap between policy and practice?\u00a0 Had measures been taken to strengthen the foster care system, including through measures to facilitate kafala placement for the Palestinian and Bedouin children in Israel?\u00a0 What measures were in place to address the lack of permanency in alternative care, the lack of post care support, and delays in adoption processes?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nRINCHEN CHOPHEL,\u00a0Committee Expert and Member of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u><\/strong>, said there had been important amendments to Israel\u2019s legislation, including to the 2000 law.\u00a0 What steps were being taken to eliminate discrimination against all disadvantaged children.\u00a0 What steps were being taken in relation to the vulnerability of Palestinian girls regarding violence committed by defence forces?\u00a0 What measures were being taken to promote the meaningful participation of children in school settings and in policy making?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nMr. Chophel noted that a number of measures had been taken to support child victims of violence, including those with disabilities.\u00a0 What had been done to respond to cases of violence against children?\u00a0 How effectively were these cases investigated?\u00a0 How were perpetrators brought to justice?\u00a0 What measures were being adopted to reinforce the prohibition of corporal punishment in all settings?\u00a0 What measures were in place to promote positive forms of child rearing?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt was concerning that marriage at the age of 16 could still be granted by a court in exceptional circumstances.\u00a0 Were there any plans to raise the age limit of marriage to 18, without exception?\u00a0 The Committee remained gravely concerned about reports of torture of Palestinian children in the occupied Palestinian territory, including denial of food, water, electric shocks, and physical and sexual violence, among others.\u00a0 What measures were being taken to end all forms of torture and ill treatment, including against Palestinian children and children in the occupied Palestinian territory?\u00a0 How was it ensured that all branches of the armed security forces did not carry out torture and ill treatment and respected humanitarian law?\u00a0 What steps were being taken to ensure that national-level initiatives were in harmony with the Optional Protocol?\u00a0 The measures to expand the eligibility criteria for disability benefits was noted with appreciation.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLUIS PEDERNERA, Committee Expert and Member of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/strong> said there had been insufficient information from the State party on how it implemented several recommendations.\u00a0 What had happened regarding the recommendation on removing the prohibition on granting Israeli citizenship to children born to one Israeli and one parent from the occupied Palestinian territory? \u00a0Could the delegation comment on whether Israel would overturn its decision not to process requests for residence of Palestinian children since 2000?\u00a0 What had been done to address the effects that the arbitrary revocation of residence and identity permits of people living in East Jerusalem had on thousands of unregistered Palestinian children by preventing them from accessing health services, education and any other type of social benefits, and preventing thousands of children from living with their parents? \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Committee had made a recommendation relating to the Israeli practice towards the children of migrants born in the State party, who were given a handwritten note rather than a birth certificate, with the name of the father not indicated. \u00a0Could an update on the judicial rulings in this regard be provided?\u00a0 What was the status of implementation of the process of computerisation of the registry?\u00a0 What had been done in cases where the notification of birth was denied to migrant families who were unable to pay for hospitalisation costs?\u00a0 What measures were being taken to ensure children had full access to identity?\u00a0The system of not issuing identity documents and passports or permits prevented access to rights, freedom of movement, and did not guarantee the right to identity of thousands of children.\u00a0What was the reason behind this system?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe repression of demonstrations and arrests was a matter of concern.\u00a0 What precautions was the State taking to ensure children could uphold their right to expression and peaceful assembly?\u00a0 How many children had been arrested and tried for peacefully protesting? \u00a0Had sanctions been applied to members of security forces who used disproportionate force in protests? \u00a0What other measures were being taken to hold platforms and applications accountable when they violated children’s rights?\u00a0 What steps were being taken for digital access and inclusion for children, particularly Palestinian and Bedouin children, and to promote equity and affordability of online services and connectivity?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nResponses by the Delegation<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nThe delegation said the Ministry of Welfare had issued a circular which stated they preferred children to be placed in foster care, as opposed to residential placements.\u00a0 Since the 2016 foster care law was introduced, foster care had increased in the country and the State had managed to register a large number of foster care placements, including relatives.\u00a0 There were now more children who had been placed with relatives than those with non-relatives.\u00a0 \u00a0Foster families were checked using a computerised system, and everything was closely supervised.\u00a0 Israel had taken many steps in the last few years to increase and improve the supervision of institutions, including through unannounced visits.\u00a0 Every visit was recorded and monitored in a centralised system.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe childcare foster law of 2016 set up a Children and Youth Complaints Commission.\u00a0 There was now a government statutory body that was charged with investigating any complaints of children living in a residential placement, including foster care.\u00a0This gave legal powers to investigators to investigate and report.\u00a0 Over 90 per cent of the complaints to the Commissioner were received directly from children.\u00a0 Children had been involved in creating the working practices of the Commission to ensure that the system was suitable.\u00a0 There were 800 child protection workers attached to local authority departments.\u00a0 Children who faced neglect had their cases investigated by social workers, and then had cases referred to child justice centres.\u00a0 There were eight child justice centres spread across the country.\u00a0 In these centres, children were assessed and received assistance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe core principles of the Convention were being incorporated more and more into Israel\u2019s legislation.\u00a0 A guideline by the Deputy Attorney General had been issued which stated that information needed to be provided regarding the impact of legislation on the rights of the child.\u00a0 According to the guideline, legislative authorities needed to establish the extent of impact which a Government bill could have on child rights.\u00a0 Any child born in Israel was documented by the hospital.\u00a0Hospitals provided parents with a document of birth, including the parents\u2019 names.\u00a0 For children born to unmarried parents, where the mother was single, the father needed to identify himself and produce an identity card.\u00a0Children born to foreigners were issued with a notice of live birth and could receive a replication of an application of live birth upon request.\u00a0 In December 2013, the minimum marital age was raised from 17 to 18.\u00a0 Exceptions only applied if this was in the child\u2019s best interest.\u00a0 The court would hear from the child and undertake a survey by a social worker.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe principle of equality was a core principle in Israel\u2019s justice system, which applied rights equally to all, including minority groups, according to the Basic Law.\u00a0 The Government Coordination Unit was established in 2022 and it recognised the importance of hearing children and youth when formulating policies that affected them.\u00a0 Youth representatives were routinely involved in round tables.\u00a0 Since 2020, the Unit had been leading a programme on the release of Israeli youth from imprisonment to combat the rate of reimprisonment.\u00a0 A research evaluation of the programme revealed a significant increase of minors released with a structural rehabilitation plan.\u00a0Children involved in criminal proceedings were invited to have their eligibility considered for an alternative to imprisonment.\u00a0 In January 2016, a police authority was established to prevent online crime and violence against children.\u00a0 Addressing online sexual abuse and child prostitution was one of the objectives of this unit.\u00a0 During the past few years, many efforts had been made to locate suspects, some of which had yielded major indictments.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsraeli citizenship could only be revoked through a court procedure.\u00a0 There had been no cases of children in Israel whose citizenship had been revoked.\u00a0There was no prohibition in Israel on demonstrations; demonstrations took place daily in the country.\u00a0Generally, permanent residents received the same rights as citizens, with some exceptions.\u00a0 Every inmate could file a complaint concerning conditions of detention, including to the Prison Ombudsman.\u00a0 Any claim of illegal use of force by a warden was immediately reported and escalated.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Permanent Mission of Israel had invited the Committee to recognise the horrific crimes of Hamas by reviewing video footage, but the Committee had declined.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA speaker from the delegation then said she was the owner of a video from 7 October, which showed the horror and the massacre of her son and husband, and almost 700 people who were assassinated, raped, tortured and burnt.\u00a0 Her husband and eldest son had been killed and the trauma from this had deeply impacted her three other children.\u00a0Her youngest child was blind in one eye and had almost died due to the bombs which had gone off.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe speaker said that children in Israel were living with trauma and had been scarred for life.\u00a0 There were many citizens and children in Gaza who were innocent, but so were Israelis.\u00a0This needed to be understood.\u00a0Hamas were cruel terrorists.\u00a0 There were two peoples, Palestinian people who were stuck in between and were fed up and wanted to live in peace, as well as Israeli Jews, Muslims, Christians and others who wanted to continue to live in Israel in peace.\u00a0 The south of Israel, 400 metres from Gaza where the speaker lived, had been attacked by rockets since 2001.\u00a0 Their children were traumatised.\u00a0 Persons and children could not go outside as a normal child should be able to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Israeli people had always wanted to live in peace with their neighbours in Gaza and other towns.\u00a0 Jews and Muslims lived together.\u00a0 They did not want the war and the hatred.\u00a0 Hamas and Hezbollah were the problems.\u00a0 An Israeli soldier would never touch Palestinian children and kill them because they were Palestinians and not Jewish.\u00a0 It was important to change the narrative in the dialogue and understand the reality of Israel.\u00a0 The speaker implored the Committee to look at the video and see what happened in Israel on 7 October.\u00a0 This was life in Israel and in Gaza.\u00a0 The Committee needed to take responsibility to understand the problems being faced in Israel and the horror being spread by Hamas.\u00a0 The Israeli people were not killers; they were fighting to protect themselves and their children.\u00a0 There were not enough professionals to take away the suffering, nightmares and trauma of the children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nQuestions by Committee Experts<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nANN SKELTON,\u00a0Committee Chairperson and Member of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u><\/strong>, thanked the speaker for coming and for sharing her story.\u00a0She thanked the speaker for reminding the Committee about the innocence of Israeli children and the innocence of all children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA Committee Expert acknowledged what the speaker had shared.\u00a0Could the delegation comment on the children of hostages who were abducted for a few hours.\u00a0 They had had a lot of visibility in the media.\u00a0 What were the ethical considerations that should be considered concerning these children who were constantly in the media?\u00a0 How did this affect their mental health?\u00a0 It was ironic that the one third of the children who had been involved in the Save the Heart children were in Gaza, but could not receive the follow-up care they needed.\u00a0 The Expert implored the State to allow these children to receive the necessary care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAn Expert thanked the speaker for her courage.\u00a0 Why was there so much deprivation of liberty in Israel, when this should be the last resort?\u00a0 What prevented Israel from having an independent body in line with the Paris Principles which could visit places of deprivation of liberty?<\/span><\/p>\nAnother Expert said the Committee was concerned about the situation of all children.\u00a0 They wanted children to be able to live together peacefully.\u00a0 The human rights institution seemed to lack financial means, meaning they lacked independence.\u00a0 What was being done to address this lack of independence?\u00a0 Were these mechanisms also accessible for Palestinian children?\u00a0 War-related expenditure had exceeded 80 billion shekels, and was expected to reach 20 per cent of Israeli gross domestic product.\u00a0 What was the Government doing to ensure the budgets devoted to social policies, including family support, were not affected by this?\u00a0 There was a rise in the violence committed in relation to settlers, which children were witnessing.\u00a0 What was being done to address the violence that these children were witnessing and facing on a daily basis?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA Committee Expert asked if there were enough medical staff to deal with children who had been traumatised?\u00a0 It seemed that there were several categories of children who benefited from the birth declaration.\u00a0 What happened to children born out of wedlock?\u00a0 Would this harm them in their future life?\u00a0 Why was the birth document handwritten?\u00a0 Could parents then go to the embassy to officially declare the birth of their child?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA Committee Expert expressed sincere condolences to the speaker.\u00a0 She was also a mother and understood her.\u00a0 Unfortunately, she was one of many, many mothers who all had to go through this and she hoped this would end soon.\u00a0 Israel was one of the most highly developed tech countries in the world.\u00a0 How were the developments regarding use of artificial intelligence in Israel?\u00a0 How was this technology used to protect children?\u00a0 How were children protected from these threats?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBRAGI GUDBRANDSSON,\u00a0<\/strong>Committee Expert and Coordinator of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/strong><\/u>, said the general access to health care for the Palestinian\/Bedouin population was concerning.\u00a0 In Bedouin communities, infant mortality rates were five to eight times higher than the average Jewish population.\u00a0 How did this group have access to health care, including cancer treatment?\u00a0 \u00a0By far, the greatest health challenge Israel now had to deal with was mental health.\u00a0It was estimated that almost 20,000 children were suffering from mental health issues.\u00a0 Had the State taken any steps to expand manpower infrastructure in mental health or expand the range of community-based mental health treatments?\u00a0Had steps been taken to ensure that the needs of children at risk were met?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsrael continued to deny Palestinians access to medical care by restricting freedom of movement through Israel\u2019s permit system.\u00a0According to the World Health Organization, in 2021, 47 per cent of patients from Gaza did not receive a timely medical exit permit to access their treatments in hospitals in East Jerusalem and elsewhere.\u00a0 Why was it not possible to issue long-term permits for patients with diseases, including cancer and kidney failure?\u00a0 Children were dying because of this system.\u00a0 Sources had revealed that since 2018, more than 180 parents had been denied being present for medical treatment with their children; how did this comply with the Convention?\u00a0 The forcible invasions by Israel military or police into the homes of Palestinian families were intensive.\u00a0 Was the Government aware of the harmful mental health impact of these home raids on children?<\/span><\/p>\nLUIS PEDERNERA, Committee Expert and Member of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/b> said nearly 60 per cent of Bedouin families in the Naqab lived in poverty compared to the 20 per cent of Israel\u2019s general population.\u00a0 What measures were being taken to address the urgent food insecurity situation of the Bedouin?\u00a0 There was a bill to amend the national insurance law to deny payments and limit access of employment to asylum seeking children, which was being implemented in 17 cities.\u00a0 Did the State intend to revise this legislation so there was proper access for these excluded groups?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe climate cost of the first 60 days of Israel’s military response was equivalent to burning at least 150,000 tons of coal, according to a Guardian article.\u00a0 Why had there been a cut in the environmental budget?\u00a0 How was the State monitoring this situation?<\/span><\/p>\nANN SKELTON,\u00a0Committee Chairperson and Member of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u><\/strong>, said that in its 2013 concluding observations, the Committee observed that there was a \u201csegregated\u201d education system with a lower investment in the education of Palestinian children.\u00a0Since then, how had the budget been reallocated to provide equity in the schooling system?\u00a0 In Jerusalem in 2013, it was recorded that there were 1,000 classrooms lacking in East Jerusalem.\u00a0 It was understood that the Jerusalem Municipality issued a five-year plan from 2018 to 2022 to provide 5,000 classrooms and kindergartens, half in East Jerusalem and half in West Jerusalem.\u00a0 According to the reply to the list of issues, the shortage of classrooms currently stood at 2,000 in East Jerusalem and a further 2,000 in West Jerusalem.\u00a0 What had happened under the plan?\u00a0 How many classes had been built?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn its 2013 concluding observations, the Committee had expressed its concern about demolitions of schools for Palestinian children living in the West Bank, and it had gotten worse of course since then.\u00a0How many schools were demolished?\u00a0What measures had been taken to provide alternative school infrastructure?<\/span><\/p>\nThe Committee had received reports that there were many incidents of violence being experienced by children on the way to school or even in schools, often by settlers.\u00a0 Was anyone held criminally responsible?\u00a0 How was Israel\u2019s new road map for the inclusion of children of Ethiopian descent in the education system?\u00a0 How was Israel advancing equal access to education for Bedouin children, particularly in the Naqab?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Committee acknowledged the efforts that Israel had made for children who were internally displaced in Israel following the 7 October attacks. \u00a0Had they been able to return safely to where they were living before?\u00a0 What support had Israel provided for those who had not or could not?\u00a0 Were any children ever granted refugee status?\u00a0 How were asylum claims for unaccompanied and separated children handled and who assisted these children? \u00a0Could more information be provided about the current policy developments and the High Court case running on access to health insurance for children from Eritrea, Sudan and Ukraine?\u00a0 What was the State doing to provide a more durable status for asylum-seeking children?<\/span><\/p>\nThe Committee had repeatedly urged Israel to put a stop to prevent the abductions, arbitrary arrests, and prolonged detention of large numbers of Palestinian adolescents by the Israeli armed and security forces.\u00a0These detentions occurred in many cases without charge, trial, or legal representation. \u00a0This situation was worsening. \u00a0Another concern was the lack of information on the whereabouts of Palestinian adolescents held either in Israel or in the West Bank.\u00a0 What was being done about this?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIn previous concluding observations, the Committee expressed concern about impunity regarding the use of Palestinian children as human shields and informants.\u00a0 The Committee knew that this was happening on both sides, but as the Committee was reviewing Israel today, what was Israel doing to effectively enforce the prohibition of using children as human shields and informants?\u00a0 The 2024 report on children and armed conflict of the Secretary-General highlighted particular cases of boys being used to shield forces during law enforcement operations.\u00a0 What was Israel doing to effectively enforce the prohibition on the use of children as human shields.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsrael followed a policy of conscription.\u00a0 Did the committee that heard cases of conscientious objectors have any expertise to deal with children?\u00a0 Were they aware of the Convention and its Optional Protocols?\u00a0This year, the Secretary-General included Israeli Armed and Security Forces in the annexure to his report that listed parties that committed grave violations affecting children in situations of armed conflict.\u00a0 Had the Government officially responded to this?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nBRAGI GUDBRANDSSON,\u00a0Committee Expert and Coordinator of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u>,<\/strong> said given that children had consistently comprised around 40 per cent of the total fatalities in Gaza since 7 October, now estimated to be at 17,000 child deaths, could the State party elaborate on the measures and policies in place to protect children in densely populated areas during military operations, in accordance with international humanitarian law?\u00a0 The State party maintained that it respected the principles of international humanitarian law, and the principles of distinction, precaution and proportionality in carrying out military attacks.\u00a0 Yet the application of weapons with wide-area effects in residential buildings and houses, where extended and multigenerational families lived, raised concerns about the protection of civilians. \u00a0Could the State party detail the steps taken to minimise civilian and child casualties in such areas?\u00a0 Could information be provided on measures taken with regard to the rulings of the International Criminal Court of Justice?<\/span><\/p>\nThe Committee noted the positive development that there was a partial cessation of hostilities to allow for the provision of polio vaccines.\u00a0The Committee was extremely worried by reports that a large majority of hospitals in Gaza had ceased operation, including the Al Shifa medical complex.\u00a0 What measures ensured the continued operation of the remaining hospitals serving children in Gaza and ensured that the medical evacuation of children was ensured when necessary?\u00a0 What steps had the State party taken to protect educational facilities from being targeted during conflicts?\u00a0 How would accountability be ensured for any violations of international humanitarian law related to attacks on schools?<\/span><\/p>\nThousands of children had become disabled or were extremely traumatised as a result of the war; did the State party have plans to provide the care, rehabilitation and therapy that these children would need for the rest of their lives?\u00a0 The restrictions on the flow of essential humanitarian supplies, including food, were causing severe malnutrition among children.\u00a0 How was the State party working to prevent further malnutrition-related deaths and ensure access to food and treatment for affected children?<\/span><\/p>\nLUIS PEDERNERA,\u00a0Committee Expert and Member of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u><\/strong>, asked how international law was being applied in situations involving children in regard to arrest procedures and restriction of movement in the West Bank?\u00a0 How were children being protected against the increased militarisation of operations in the West Bank?\u00a0 The Committee was deeply concerned that 1,179 structures in the West Bank had been destroyed, leading to the displacement of more than 1,100 minors.\u00a0 What were the reasons behind such actions?\u00a0 How could this be justified as part of international law?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nWhat measures did the State party intend to implement to prevent and address violence by settlers and to ensure that perpetrators were held accountable?\u00a0 What efforts had the State party made to investigate and hold accountable those responsible for incidents in which restrictions on movement had caused harm or loss of life, such as the murder of a 17-year-old Palestinian-American boy?\u00a0How did the State party intend to address the consequences of its military actions in the West Bank, including returning the bodies of Palestinian children to their families and ending restrictions on Palestinian funeral rituals?<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nResponses by the Delegation<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nThe delegation said the report on children at risk that was published in May 2023 was a report covering the whole continuum of care services in the community.\u00a0 Although a larger number of children under the age of eight were quoted in the report as being placed in residential institutions, upon checking the figures it was much less, with some children being placed in temporary settings.\u00a0Israel believed children needed homes and should be at home whenever possible.\u00a0 Foster care and adoption were the next best options.\u00a0 The reasons children were removed from home were often not just to do with parenting ability, but also living conditions, poverty and spiral of debt, among others.\u00a0 A programme had been enacted to assist families with children in out-of-home placements, including small caseloads for social workers, positive contacts with each family, and a generous and flexible budget for each family within the programme.\u00a0 In some cases, children had returned home to their families under the programme.\u00a0There were continued challenges to recruit foster families in the Arab population.\u00a0 Adoption was forbidden by Islam which meant there was sometimes confusion between a foster family and an adoptive family.\u00a0 A professional committee had been established, which studied all aspects of foster care and had provided recommendations to the Government.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nRegarding children who had returned from Gaza; this was a sensitive issue.\u00a0 Children\u2019s privacy should be protected, and they should not be exposed unnecessarily.\u00a0However, if a parent agreed for their child to be interviewed, this was their prerogative.\u00a0 The children had taught them a lesson in that they did not need to be coddled after they returned.\u00a0 There were programmes in place to help children, including trauma-based interventions to improve their resilience and help their coping with the traumatic events they were experiencing.\u00a0 A programme was in place which provided a day-care of one day a week for children who required some psychiatric support.<\/span><\/p>\nSeveral sections of the penal law were dedicated to sexual abuse against children.\u00a0 Sexual actions with a child under the age of 14 was considered rape.\u00a0 There was also legislation against trafficking and pornography.\u00a0 Technological developments were considered within these offences.\u00a0 Recently, there had been convictions on the use of bots, using a real photo while the bot created nudity.\u00a0 The exploitation of any person in prostitution was prohibited in law, as was advertising prostitution and pimping.\u00a0 Under the law, the exploitation of a child constituted an aggravating circumstance, increasing the penalty for such offences.\u00a0 Roundtables had been held with Government ministries, enforcement authorities, and members of social services to combat child prostitution.\u00a0 A new law, which came into force in 2020, criminalised the consumption of prostitution.\u00a0 By law, children charged with criminal offences were entitled to free legal representation from public defenders, regardless of their financial situation.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsrael acted to make the Convention accessible to children in all languages, including Braille, when required.\u00a0 Early childhood education was very important, and extensive awareness raising had been done with parents on the importance of sending children to kindergarten.\u00a0 Many efforts had been made to increase the accessibility of early childhood education to Bedouin communities, including through the creation of 24 kindergartens.\u00a0 The Government was considering additional centres for services, and how to further integrate Bedouin pupils into Israeli society.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThere was no separation or segregation of pupils of Ethiopian descent within Israeli education.\u00a0 A programme had been introduced which helped Ethiopian pupils integrate and reach the national average in Israeli schools.\u00a0 Education for peace programmes included developing positive communication skills and getting to know different cultures.\u00a0 This approach helped reduce tensions and impart values of tolerance and mutual respect.\u00a0 These programmes were conducted in both Jewish and Arab communities.\u00a0There were also training courses which dealt with practices of diverse cultural competence, providing tools for cultural discourse.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Israeli health system had faced great challenges since 7 October, taking in a huge number of casualties while still treating the general population.\u00a0 Israel did not have a separate military health system, and so all soldiers, including Arab, Jews and Palestinians, were treated in civilian hospitals.\u00a0 There had been a multi-layered approach to address the mental health issues being faced by children, with the first being resilience centres, located near the border line.\u00a0 These provided on the spot services to adults and children.\u00a0 Over 17,000 children had been provided with mental and social support since 7 October.\u00a0 Hundreds of mental health professionals had been trained in issues of cultural sensitivity and trauma awareness.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nTen intensive care units had been established to avoid suspension in treatment for major crisis cases.\u00a0 Israel prioritised addressing mental health cases of children in a timely manner.\u00a0 No media reporters or photographers were allowed into the facilities which received children back from captivity.\u00a0 The State was aware of the burden this could have on children and the young population as a whole, and were looking at how to handle this issue better in the future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA new hospital was being built in the south of Israel which would be a strong academic facility and aid the Bedouin villages nearby.\u00a0 The State was aware of the need for health promotion activities for this population.\u00a0 Plans had been made to tackle issues as obesity, smoking and family planning in Bedouin communities.<\/span><\/p>\nThe population in Jerusalem was entitled to receive health care as part of the law.\u00a0 There were seven Palestinian hospitals in East Jerusalem and three centres in West Jerusalem.\u00a0 In Jerusalem, there were psychiatric hospitals and many community-based services to address mental health.\u00a0 Most parts of Jerusalem were serviced by the national ambulance services, and some by the Palestinian Red Crescent.\u00a0 Both organizations were working to provide the best services available.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIt was hoped that in the coming years, the birth registration system would be fully digitalised.\u00a0 From the beginning of the war, more than 50,000 permits were provided for the West Bank for Palestinians to enter East Jerusalem for treatment.\u00a0 The State was providing more than 120,000 permits from the West Bank.\u00a0 Many Gazan children with cancer were treated in Israeli hospitals.\u00a0 This was also true for children undergoing treatment through the Save the Heart Association.\u00a0 Work had been done with the United Nations Children\u2019s Fund and other organizations to evacuate children for intense medical needs to other countries, including the United Arab Emirates, among others.<\/span><\/p>\nPursuant to the interim agreement between Israel and Palestinians, the responsibility of education regarding Palestinians living in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip had been transferred to the Palestinian Authority.\u00a0This meant that Israel was not charged with building new schools, hiring teachers and higher education.\u00a0 All these aspects were controlled and administered by the Palestinian Authority.\u00a0 The Gaza Strip had not been under Israeli control since 2005, following the implementation of Israel\u2019s disengagement initiative.\u00a0 Even after the recent war, Israel was still not occupying Gaza as the conditions for belligerent occupation had not been met.\u00a0 As the armed forces of other democratic States had been experiencing, civilian deaths were a harsh fact of modern, urban warfare.\u00a0In Gaza, these deaths were deliberately sought by Hamas to further its objective.\u00a0 Hamas had spent the last 17 years systemically embedding its operations throughout Gaza, viewing Palestinian civilians as expendable human shields.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHamas purposely sought to drag fighting into the civilian domain, as part of their strategy to ensure the international community condemned Israel.\u00a0 They had built an extensive network of tunnels, bringing fighting to the heart of the civilians.\u00a0 The Israeli Defence Forces had discovered a tunnel shaft near and under schools which passed under the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Near East.\u00a0 Some of the missiles fired by Hamas at Israel had landed within Gaza, exploding in hospitals and schools and causing civilian harm.\u00a0 The likelihood that many of these rockets had landed in dense urban areas suggested they were a significant cause of civilian casualties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsrael was committed to bringing home the hostages in Gaza and defending its citizens and territory in a manner consistent with international law, despite the fact that other parties to the conflict violated these laws.\u00a0Israel\u2019s military operations were committed to the fundamental principles of the law of armed conflict, including distinction, proportionality and precaution.\u00a0 Israel was operating against Hamas, not against the civilian population.\u00a0 The Israeli Defence Forces had put in place detailed regulations with sensitive sites, including hospitals, schools, power stations and United Nations facilities.\u00a0It could not be concluded that an attack on civilians was unlawful, due to the way Hamas operated within civilian infrastructure, as well as the participation of civilians in warfare.\u00a0The Israeli Defence Forces regularly issued announcements through multiple channels, including social media, warning civilians of attacks.\u00a0 However, Hamas had prevented civilians from leaving these areas to exploit civilian casualties.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h2>\nQuestions by Committee Experts<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\nBRAGI GUDBRANDSSON,\u00a0Committee <\/u>Expert and Coordinator of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u><\/strong>, said information had been received that said 75 per cent of children who were out of home were in residential care; what were the correct figures?\u00a0 It seemed that children in care were far away from reaching a family environment; what was the truth in this matter?\u00a0 In cases of sexual abuse, was it possible for child victims to provide recorded statements?\u00a0Why was there such a discrepancy between the health of the Bedouin community and the general population?\u00a0 It was pleasing to hear that there were measures being taken in regard to mental health issues.\u00a0 How many children were affected by the medical permit system?\u00a0Why did children with chronic health diseases need to wait for health care?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nLUIS PEDERNERA,<\/strong>\u00a0Committee Expert and Member of the Country Taskforce for Israel<\/u><\/strong>, said the Committee believed that Israel had effective control of the occupied Palestinian territories.\u00a0 This had been stated in reviews by treaty bodies and in recommendations by the United Nations.\u00a0 He disagreed on the issue of proportionality, when the targets were children who were not a threat and were shot in the head by snipers or drones.\u00a0 When a child was playing outside or looking for food, how was the threat assessed?\u00a0 Could a sniper shoot the child in the head?\u00a0 According to the data available, 5,500 children were born a month.\u00a0 The hospitals in Gaza had been wiped out.\u00a0This meant birth registration could not be guaranteed.\u00a0 How did the State intend to help these children to ensure they had access to an identity?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA Committee Expert asked if there were Jewish children in Israel who were also poor, or was it mainly other minorities?\u00a0 How did the Israeli State ensure children from different communities had access to their rights?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAnother Expert asked if kafala, the equivalent of adoption, was regulated for Muslims?\u00a0 Was the care provided by foster families appropriately regulated?\u00a0 It was noted that measures had been set up to allow for the changing of sentences of deprivation of liberty, but in the cases of 21 children, they had chosen to stay in prison.\u00a0 Had Israel considered joining the third Optional Protocol to the Convention, on individual communications?\u00a0 What measures had been taken to alleviate the suffering of children in Gaza?<\/span><\/p>\nAn Expert said it could be assumed that the bodies of many children were still under the rubble in Gaza.\u00a0 When would Israel remove the debris so bodies could be recovered and identified?\u00a0 What was the Government doing to reunite unaccompanied children with their parents or families?\u00a0 What was being done to protect the 20,000 orphans?\u00a0 What services would be provided to them?\u00a0 The Expert asked the Government to lift the blockade and allow aid to reach the population.<\/span><\/p>\nA Committee Expert said the Committee was concerned about all children wherever they were.\u00a0 Every single child in Gaza was living in incredibly stressful and violent conditions and would be traumatised for their entire lives.\u00a0 What were the plans of the State party to support the treatment of these children.\u00a0 At the end of April, Israel had dropped more bombs in Gaza than bombs were dropped in the Second World War – 70,000 tonnes of bombs and explosive devices.\u00a0 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ assessed that the clearing of that rubble could take up to 14 years.\u00a0 Some bombs did not detonate straight away, but went off later, causing more death and destruction.\u00a0 What were the plans of the State party to support the clearing of the war region and prevent children from continuing to die once the war ended?<\/span><\/p>\nAnother Expert asked if there were centres devoted to children who were suffering from mental health issues?\u00a0 What personnel, including psychologists, were working in these centres?\u00a0How would the situation of birth registration be rectified so that every child had a birth certificate?\u00a0 If a child was born from an incestuous union or because of adultery and the man did not want to declare the child, what happened?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nA Committee Expert said the Committee was extremely concerned about all of the children in the country and wanted to see peace.\u00a0 What exceptions were made to grant early marriage?\u00a0What strategy was being implemented to eradicate the situation of early marriage?\u00a0 There had been reports of rape within ultra-orthodox groups.\u00a0 How many investigations were conducted based on these reports?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Responses by the Delegation<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nThe delegation said Israel was sorry for the loss of life in the war, including children.\u00a0 This was terrible and no one wanted to see it.\u00a0 The allegations that Israel targeted children was preposterous and could not be accepted.\u00a0 Israel had a clear set of laws which instructed soldiers on opening fire.\u00a0 The State\u2019s Defence Forces were conducting themselves in line with international law.\u00a0 They were making the clear distinction between civilians and combatants.\u00a0Unfortunately, Hamas was embedded underneath the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinians in the Near East and in Palestinian schools and in Al-Shifa hospital, to drag the military into these situations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsrael was not limiting humanitarian aid in Gaza; there were hundreds of thousands of trucks entering Gaza by various entrances.\u00a0 The war was being paused to allow the polio vaccination campaign to take place.\u00a0 The future of the children in Gaza was of concern.\u00a0 Israel prayed that they would not be under the control of Hamas in the future, and they would have a better life in the future.<\/span><\/p>\nFor years, Israel had engaged with the representative of the Secretary-General on the issue of children in armed conflict, who had visited Israel in 2022.\u00a0 Israel had been critical of the reporting, which had not reported a single recruitment of Palestinian youth in fighting.\u00a0 Still, it had been Israel\u2019s objective to cooperate.\u00a0 Israel being listed in the blacklist equated a law-abiding State with murderous organizations responsible for atrocities against children.\u00a0 It was the Secretary-General\u2019s decision to list Israel in this shameful blacklist.\u00a0 This was a watershed moment in an otherwise positive history of cooperation with the United Nations mandate.\u00a0 At this stage, Israel was considering its future engagement on this issue.<\/span><\/p>\nA guideline had been developed which clearly listed what could not justify underage marriage, including cultural beliefs and pregnancy.\u00a0Birth certificates held no details on the marital status of the parents.\u00a0 There was no distinction if a child was born to married or unmarried parents.\u00a0Regarding children born to foreigners, the birth document was not handwritten.\u00a0 This had changed in recent years.\u00a0 A child had the right to be heard in certain proceedings in court.\u00a0 When a person was involved in terrorist activity against the State, their attachment to the State was questioned.\u00a0 Regarding the denial of benefits to their family members, including children, this would be examined. \u00a0The eligibility belonged to the convicted person and not to their dependents.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThe Government aimed to provide the Bedouin with residence in alternative areas in the case of unauthorised villages.\u00a0 A large majority of those residing in unauthorised areas would be able to continue to reside there, without relocating elsewhere.\u00a0Israel was aware of the risks posed by artificial intelligence and government ministries were focusing on addressing some of these risks and developing an artificial intelligence strategy to carry out a comprehensive risk assessment before this technology was deployed.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nAn additional budget had been allocated to youth organizations to promote climate change initiatives.\u00a0 Currently, there were no pending requests filed by unaccompanied children for asylum.\u00a0 All security proceedings of Palestinians in the West Bank were held before military courts.\u00a0Unfortunately, Palestinian minors were undergoing ideological radicalisation.\u00a0 At least four of the minor prisoners returned in the recent hostages\u2019 deals took part in terrorist attacks.\u00a0 The Government was currently working on providing a grant to those without civil status.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nKafala was the Muslim equivalent of fostering, as issued by the Sharia courts.\u00a0 Foster care arrangements could be extended until the age of 21 and even beyond.\u00a0Special permits were given to children under the age of eight to go to a non-foster care placement, but only if this was the last resort.\u00a0 The setting up of an institution for children under six was an unfortunate move, due to the shortage of foster families within the Arab population.\u00a0 The State was making efforts to break down confusion regarding fostering as opposed to adoption and encourage people within the Arab population to take children into their homes.\u00a0 Children under the age of 14 who were victims of crimes were interviewed by a special officer with social work training.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nHamas and its governing organs still had the power to exercise control over the health care system in Gaza.\u00a0 Due to the intense fighting in Gaza, the Israeli Defence Forces did not have control over Gaza\u2019s health system, including birth registration.\u00a0Every civilian death was a tragedy, especially the death of children.\u00a0 In the context of armed conflict, death to civilians did not necessarily indicate criminal conduct.\u00a0 \u00a0So far, more than 1,000 incidents had been identified as incidents which required further investigation.\u00a0 In addition, 76 criminal investigations against Israeli Defence Force soldiers had been opened since the start of the hostilities, which were still ongoing.\u00a0 Israel utterly rejected the insinuated equivalence between Hamas\u2019 use of civilians as human shields and the Israeli Defence Forces.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nIsrael and its forces were committed to facilitating the improvement of the humanitarian situation in Gaza.\u00a0 Before 7 October, there were only two crossings going from Israel to Gaza.\u00a0Israel had opened three new land crossings and facilitated the delivery of airdrops of aid directly into Gaza.\u00a0All aid going into Gaza was documented in a comprehensive list, which was available online.\u00a0 There were many challenges, particularly in the ability of the United Nations and other agencies to collect the aid and reach all intended areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\nThroughout the war, Israel had invested considerable efforts in monitoring the medical care in the Gaza Strip, and there were no restrictions on medical supplies entering this area.\u00a0 Despite the risks, Israel had permitted the delivery of equipment such as generators and had facilitated the construction of seven field hospitals for the benefit of the civilians in Gaza.\u00a0 Israel also facilitated the evacuation of thousands of sick and wounded persons for medical treatment abroad.\u00a0 A joint working group had been created with the World Health Organization and the United Nations Children\u2019s Fund to vaccinate all 600,000 children under the age of 10.\u00a0 The Israeli Defence Forces would continue to map out the health situation in the Gaza Strip and would continue to support all activities to enhance the Gaza health system.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Concluding Remarks<\/u><\/span><\/strong><\/h2>\nBRAGI GUDBRANDSSON,\u00a0