Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, on the killing of Palestinian children in the West Bank

AMMAN, 17 March 2026 – “Violence has again claimed the lives of Palestinian children in the West Bank. On 14 March, two siblings, aged 5 and 7, were shot and killed by Israeli forces in the town of Tammun in the West Bank alongside their parents inside their car.

“Since January 2025, 65 Palestinian children have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem – roughly one child every week – with more than 760 injured. Most of these deaths were caused by live ammunition.

“For the children who survive these incidents, the consequences are profound. Some are left with permanent disabilities that will shape the rest of their lives. Many children struggle with deep psychological wounds after witnessing the violent killing and injury of friends and family members.

“UNICEF calls on the Israeli authorities to take immediate and decisive action to protect Palestinian children and uphold their right to life in line with international law. Authorities must ensure transparent and robust accountability when children are killed or maimed and take effective action to deter further violence. They must further uphold their obligation to ensure humanitarian access and medical attention to the wounded.”