U.N. child rights experts have strongly criticized Israeli military actions in Gaza, labeling them as having "catastrophic consequences" and violating international law. The U.N. Committee on the Rights of the Child conducted a review of Israel's adherence to child protection standards outlined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Despite Israel's claims that Palestinian armed groups were responsible for civilian casualties, the committee found Israel's actions unjustified, pointing out the high number of child deaths and attacks on schools and hospitals. The experts expressed concern over the significant percentage of children among the casualties in the conflict. Israel's argument that the Convention on the Rights of the Child doesn't apply to its operations in occupied territories was rejected by the committee. The committee also criticized Israel for the arrest and prolonged detention of Palestinian children. The U.N. secretary general's report on children in armed conflict included Israel, Hamas, and Palestinian Jihad on the list of entities harming children. The committee emphasized the urgent need for a cease-fire to protect children's rights in the region.