Deliberate Targeting of Children in Gaza Confirmed by Foreign Doctors

Strategic Insights -

Foreign doctors who volunteered in Gaza have provided harrowing testimonies, stating that they have treated more than 100 children shot in the head or chest. The doctors argue that this is clear evidence that Israel is deliberately targeting minors. The testimonies collected by the Dutch daily Volkskrant include 15 out of 17 doctors describing encountering children under 15 with single bullet wounds to the head or chest. A total of 114 such cases were identified during their missions in Gaza. Many children died, while others survived with devastating injuries.

Key Takeaways:

  • 114 children were shot in the head or chest by Israeli forces, with 95 of those cases involving children hit in the head or chest, according to a BBC World Service investigation.
  • The majority of the victims were under 12 years old, according to the BBC's findings.
  • Forensic pathologists consulted by Volkskrant reviewed X-rays and confirmed the wounds were consistent with long-range sniper or drone fire, not shrapnel from explosions.
  • Former Dutch army commander Mart de Kruif said the sheer number of children shot in the head or chest made the claim of "accidents" implausible, stating that "this is not collateral damage. It is intentional."
  • The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) reported that Israel is carrying out genocide against Gaza's children, deliberately killing them, inflicting severe physical and mental harm, and forcing them into conditions meant to destroy them.
  • Gaza's Ministry of Health reported that nearly 20,000 children have been killed by Israel since the war began on October 7, 2023.
  • An average of 28 children are being killed daily in Gaza due to Israel's military operations and restrictions on humanitarian aid, according to the United Nations.

Statistics:

  • 114 children shot in the head or chest confirmed by foreign doctors
  • 95 cases of children hit in the head or chest, according to a BBC World Service investigation
  • 160 cases of children in Gaza shot by Israeli forces, according to a BBC World Service investigation
  • 21,000 children disabled during the war, according to the UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities
  • 28 children killed daily in Gaza, according to the United Nations
  • 20,000 children killed by Israel since the war began on October 7, 2023, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health

Sources:

  • Dutch daily Volkskrant: https://www.volkskrant.nl/kijkverder/v/2025/schotwonden-palestijnse-kinderen-israel-oorlog~v1778945/
  • BBC World Service: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-62656338
  • Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR): https://pchrgaza.org/children-are-direct-victims-of-genocide-in-the-gaza-strip-pchr-confirms-2/
  • Al Jazeera: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/8/5/a-graveyard-average-28-palestinian-children-being-killed-daily-in-gaza