Palestinian children and teenagers have been killed at a sharply higher rate in the occupied West Bank since October 7, 2023, according to Israeli human rights organisation B’Tselem. It said at least 235 minors were killed by Israeli forces through June 2026, including five killed in attacks by Israeli settlers. A Palestinian Authority body put the death toll at 250.

B’Tselem said the monthly average of Palestinian children and teenagers killed by Israeli forces rose from about one between 2005 and 2021 to nearly seven after October 2023. Twelve bereaved Palestinian mothers said the deaths had halted their family lives and alleged a lack of accountability. Many teenagers were killed during confrontations involving Palestinian youths and Israeli forces, including incidents involving stone throwing.

The report said not all deaths were linked to clashes. In June, seven-month-old Sam Abu Haikal was killed by Israeli gunfire in Hebron while in a car with his mother, who was wounded. The military said a soldier fired after the vehicle moved toward troops, while the mother disputed that account. Families are demanding full investigations and justice.