Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights

18 April 2025

What happened?

A report dated 18 April 2025 highlighted rising casualties among women and children since the breakdown of the ceasefire and examined the effects of bombardment and displacement on Palestinian families.

Impact on civilians

The loss of parents and caregivers has lasting psychological and social effects on children, while affected families need support extending beyond immediate emergency medical care.

Special Obligations to Protect Children

Children are entitled to special protection under international humanitarian and human rights law. When they are killed, injured or separated from loved ones, appropriate rescue, care, psychological support and educational assistance are required.

What is needed to protect residents?

These developments require careful monitoring of civilian casualties and the impact of the escalation on women and children, providing information to affected families and ensuring access to medical care, humanitarian relief or remedies appropriate to the harm suffered. Established facts must be distinguished from legal assessments that require investigation by competent authorities.

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