NEW YORK — Violence against children in global conflict zones surged to record-breaking levels in 2024, according to the UN’s annual report. Verified grave violations rose by 25% from 2023, totaling 41,370 incidents — the highest since monitoring began nearly three decades ago.

Over 4,500 children were killed and 7,000 injured, with 22,495 suffering multiple violations such as killings, recruitment, abduction, sexual abuse, and denial of aid. UN envoy Virginia Gamba called the crisis a “point of no return.”

The Palestinian territories recorded the highest violations — over 8,500 — mainly linked to Israeli forces in Gaza. Other top conflict zones include DR Congo, Somalia, Nigeria, and Haiti.

Newly added to the UN’s “list of shame” are Haitian gang alliance “Viv Ansanm” and Colombia’s Clan del Golfo cartel, both for child recruitment and abuse. Repeat offenders include Israeli and Palestinian forces, Russia (Ukraine), and Sudanese factions.