A record 24,174 children suffered grave violations in armed conflict in 2025, the highest since UN tracking began 30 years ago.

The annual Children and Armed Conflict report, released Wednesday, recorded 38,558 grave violations globally in 2025.

Killing and maiming topped the list, with child deaths up 34% from 2024. Other major violations included denial of humanitarian access and armed groups recruiting children. 

Rape and other forms of sexual violence against children showed no sign of decline.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that Israeli settler groups could be added to a global blacklist, voicing alarm at a "staggering" rise in violations ‌against Palestinian children.

The UN verified the killing of 2,668 Palestinian children in Gaza and 57 in the West Bank.

"I am appalled by the magnitude of grave violations against children in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, notably by the widespread use of explosive weapons in populated areas," Guterres said.

(With input from Reuters)