**DaysofPal-** The Israeli occupation’s renewed assault on the Gaza Strip has drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations, particularly for its disproportionate targeting of civilians, the majority of whom are children.
Ayed Abu Qutaish, head of Defense for Children International Palestine (DCI), has strongly criticized the occupation forces’ actions, labeling them as part of a systematic campaign to exterminate Palestinian lives and suppress resistance through indiscriminate violence.
#### The Human Toll of War
Since the resumption of hostilities last Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes have claimed the lives of over 700 civilians in Gaza, with 70% of the victims being children. Hundreds more have been injured, many suffering life-altering wounds. These figures underscore what Abu Qutaish describes as the “criminal mentality” of the occupation—a mindset that fails to distinguish between combatants and non-combatants, humans and infrastructure.
“The occupation deliberately targets civilians, including children, as part of its military strategy,” Abu Qutaish told Filastin newspaper. He emphasized that these attacks constitute a blatant violation of international humanitarian law, which mandates the protection of civilians during armed conflicts.
#### A Pattern of Genocide and Starvation
Abu Qutaish accused Israeli occupation of employing starvation as a weapon of war, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The closure of crossings and prevention of essential supplies—such as food, water, medicine, and fuel—has left thousands of families struggling to survive. Hospitals, already overwhelmed by the influx of casualties, face imminent collapse due to fuel shortages necessary to operate generators and vital medical equipment.
“This is not just negligence; it is a calculated policy aimed at breaking the will of the Palestinian people,” Abu Qutaish stated. He described the situation as a “war crime against humanity,” pointing out that the occupation’s actions contravene the Geneva Conventions and other international treaties designed to safeguard civilian populations during wartime.
The deliberate targeting of children, who represent the future of Palestine, reflects an even darker dimension of the occupation’s genocidal intent. According to Abu Qutaish, this strategy seeks to pressure the Palestinian resistance into submission while simultaneously erasing the next generation of Palestinians.
#### Complicity of the International Community
Abu Qutaish expressed deep frustration with the international community’s failure to intervene decisively to stop Israeli atrocities. Despite mounting evidence of war crimes, major powers—particularly the United States—have provided unwavering political, military, and diplomatic support to Israeli occupation, emboldening it to continue its violations with impunity.
“Regrettably, some countries continue to shield the occupation from accountability,” he said. “These nations bear moral and legal responsibility for enabling these crimes.” He called on signatories of the Geneva Conventions to uphold their obligations and hold Israel accountable for its flagrant disregard of international law.
#### Urgent Calls for Action
In light of the escalating crisis, Abu Qutaish urged the global community to take immediate action to protect Palestinian civilians, especially children. Key demands include:
1. Ending Arms Transfers: Major powers must halt the transfer of weapons to Israeli occupation, which are used to perpetrate crimes against civilians.
2. Opening Crossings: Immediate measures should be taken to reopen crossings and allow the entry of humanitarian aid, including food, medicine, and fuel.
3. Accountability Mechanisms: The UN Security Council and other international bodies must establish mechanisms to investigate and prosecute Israeli officials responsible for war crimes.
4. Breaking Silence: Countries must abandon their complicit silence and actively pressure Israeli occupation to cease its aggression and respect international law.
#### The Role of Human Rights Organizations
Despite persistent efforts by DCI and other human rights groups to expose Israeli crimes, Abu Qutaish lamented the lack of tangible outcomes. While awareness campaigns and advocacy work have shed light on the plight of Palestinian children, they have yet to translate into meaningful action or justice.
“We cannot stand idly by while innocent children are murdered, starved, or maimed,” he declared. “We must amplify their voices and demand that the world fulfill its moral and legal obligations to protect them.”
The targeting of children and civilians in Gaza represents a grave breach of humanity and underscores the urgent need for global intervention. As the death toll rises and the humanitarian catastrophe worsens, the silence of the international community rings louder than ever. For Ayed Abu Qutaish and countless others advocating for justice, the message is clear: the time for action is now. Failure to act will only deepen the tragedy unfolding in Gaza, leaving behind a legacy of impunity and unimaginable suffering for generations to come.
The Israeli occupation’s targeting of civilians, particularly children, highlights its criminal mentality and genocidal intent. Despite violating international laws, Israel continues to receive political and military support from major powers, enabling its atrocities. Advocates like Ayed Abu Qutaish call for urgent global intervention to protect Palestinian civilians and hold Israel accountable for its war crimes.
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