Israel Kills 115 Children in West Bank

Israeli forces have reportedly shot and killed 115 Palestinian children in the West Bank over the past 10 months, a significant increase compared to the previous period. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), this figure represents a tripling of child fatalities from 39 in the prior 10 months. Additionally, 1,411 Palestinian children have sustained injuries from Israeli gunfire during this timeframe, highlighting a troubling escalation in violence. UNICEF has documented a total of 143 Palestinian children killed in the West Bank since October, marking a staggering 250 percent rise in child fatalities. The overall death toll in the region has exceeded 600 Palestinians since October, with specific incidents drawing attention to the severity of the situation. Notable cases include the deaths of 10-year-old Amr Mohammad Ghaleb Najar and 15-year-old Basil Abu al-Waf, both killed during Israeli military operations. Critics have condemned the actions of Israeli forces, asserting that the targeting of children is deliberate and systematic. Statements from Israeli officials, including Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have further fueled concerns, as he praised the killing of a 12-year-old boy, labeling him a terrorist. The U.S. has been implicated in this violence, with billions of dollars in military aid reportedly facilitating these actions. As the situation continues to deteriorate, the need for independent journalism to report on these events remains critical. Organizations like Truthout are seeking support to maintain their operations and ensure that such stories are told.