A retired High Court judge from our own country, a man who has spent his life in courtrooms fighting for justice, now sitting at the heart of a United Nations inquiry into one of the most heartbreaking tragedies of our times. Justice S. Muralidhar, former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, is leading a commission that has looked deep into what’s happening to Palestinian children in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. And what he and his team have found is devastating.
In simple words, the report says Israeli forces have deliberately targeted children. Not just caught in the crossfire – but hunted. Over 20,000 Palestinian children killed and more than 44,000 injured since October 7, 2023. That’s not a number you can read without your heart sinking. The commission talks about sniper fire, drones with thermal cameras that can tell an adult from a child, quadcopters picking off kids with precision shots to the head and neck. Doctors have seen tiny holes from pellets aimed exactly where they would do the most harm.
Justice Muralidhar spoke straight from the heart in interviews. He told The Indian Express something every one of us in India needs to hear: “India should know, if we don’t act on the evidence against Israel, we can’t redeem ourselves.”
India has always stood for something bigger. We gained freedom after immense suffering. We know what it means to fight occupation, to dream of self-determination, to protect the weak. Our Constitution, our traditions, our very soul as a nation speak of justice, dignity, and ahimsa. How can we then stay silent or keep supplying arms when children – any children – are being systematically harmed? Justice Muralidhar isn’t asking us to pick sides blindly. He’s asking us to look at the evidence.
The commission didn’t rush to conclusions. They gathered thousands of pieces: hospital records, witness testimonies from doctors who treated the kids, videos that Israeli soldiers themselves posted online boasting about their “games” with drones, satellite images, forensic analysis. They tried again and again to get Israel’s side – 13 requests for information, draft reports sent in advance. Israel didn’t cooperate directly but put out rebuttals that didn’t really deny the core evidence. Instead, they labeled many children as terrorists, even young boys, justifying the unthinkable.
This isn’t about one side’s narrative versus another. It’s about what international law demands. The report points to patterns that suggest genocidal acts – destroying schools (97% of them), universities, hospitals, orphanages. Taking agricultural land. Rhetoric from Israeli leaders calling to “erase Gaza” and leave no child behind. Even after a ceasefire in October 2025, the killing and harm continued in many places. The essence of childhood destroyed. That phrase from the report stays with you.
As Indians, we have a special responsibility. We have strong ties with Israel – in technology, defense, agriculture. Many of us admire their resilience and innovation. But friendship cannot mean ignoring evidence of war crimes or crimes against humanity. Justice Muralidhar reminds us that countries supplying arms, including India’s exports of small arms, could be aiding and abetting. Under international law, nations have obligations. Dual nationals serving in implicated Israeli units could face justice back home in places like France, Britain, or even here if evidence leads that way. Universal jurisdiction exists for the worst crimes.
When we speak about Kashmir or any conflict involving our people, we want the world to listen to evidence and uphold humanity. Consistency matters. If we cherry-pick international law only when it suits us – for trade, rankings, or security – we lose our voice when it comes to protecting innocents.
Justice Muralidhar’s own journey adds weight. He’s known in India for bold judgments on human rights, even when it cost him. Now on the global stage, he brings that same integrity. He says we must not lose faith in international systems. The International Court of Justice, the ICC – they need our support through action, not just words. South Africa’s case, other inquiries – evidence is being shared.
Many Israelis protest what’s happening. It’s about holding governments and militaries accountable when they cross lines that no civilized nation should. It’s about protecting children everywhere – Palestinian, Israeli, or any other. The commission also documented abuses by Palestinian armed groups. Justice must be even-handed.
What can we do? Demand our government reviews its policies in light of this evidence. Push for unrestricted humanitarian aid. Support calls for reparations, investigations, and an end to attacks on civilians. As citizens, we can raise our voices, educate ourselves, and remember that India’s greatness lies in its moral compass.
Justice Muralidhar put it plainly: We cannot afford to ignore this. If we fail to act on evidence this stark, how do we look our own children in the eye? How do we claim to be a Vishwa Guru or a voice for the Global South?
Not politics as usual, but humanity first. Our ancient civilization taught us “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” – the world is one family. Children in Gaza are part of that family. Their pain is ours to acknowledge.
We owe it to ourselves, to our values, and to future generations to listen, to examine the evidence, and to act with courage and compassion. As Justice Muralidhar said, only then can we redeem ourselves.
Sources:
- The Indian Express article: ‘India should know, if we don’t act on the evidence against Israel, we can’t redeem ourselves’: Justice Muralidhar (June 29, 2026)
- Frontline/The Hindu interview with Justice S. Muralidhar on the UN Commission report
- UN Human Rights Council documents and Commission reports on the Occupied Palestinian Territory
- Statements from OHCHR and related coverage.
@Rohit Manral
