The Systematic Mistreatment of Palestinian Children
Recent weeks have witnessed an upsurge in violence between Palestinians and Israelis living in Jerusalem and in the West Bank and Gaza. These rising tensions are linked to Israeli settler groups’ intrusions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a compound considered the third holiest site for Muslims and is also associated with the start of the Second Intifada. Mimicking previous patterns of history, these conflicts at the Al-Aqsa Mosque have led to a cycle of retaliation and increase in anti-Arab sentiment in Jerusalem. Statistics show, as previous periods of unrest, the number of deaths take a significantly stronger toll on Palestinians. The current escalating violence has so far resulted in
14 Palestinian children losing their lives in October. In addition, United Nation (UN) statistics show that in only six days between October 6 and October 12, at least 201 Palestinian children were injured. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) in the West Bank and Gaza has increasingly resorted to excessive force in order to instill fear and try to prevent a Palestinian uprising, or a third intifada, as some are anticipating. Widespread violence against Palestinians coupled with mass detentions have been a systematic approach by the IDF towards quelling any Palestinian revolt — Palestinian children are not exempt from these tactics.
Arresting Palestinian children and detaining them without due process in the military court is one of the major devices used by Israeli security forces to avert and/or punish uprisings. A clear lack of fair trial rights, which is fundamental to any legal system, is common for Palestinians. The Israeli Prison Service reports that 151 children between 14 and 17 years of age were in Israeli military detention for alleged security violations at the end of December [2014]. A monthly average of 188 children were in Israeli military custody. There are many logistical obstacles along the way for anyone, whether parents or lawyers, attempting to come to these children’s rescue. Thus, the numbers of child detainees have soared too high for the world to turn a blind eye. In addition, mistreatment of children in detention seems to be standard procedure.
The UN has obtained the statements of 122 Palestinian children detained by Israeli security forces in the West Bank. The statements reported that these children have been subjected to various forms of ill treatments, including beatings, being hit with sticks, blindfolded, kicked and subjected to verbal abuse and threats of sexual violence. Current data shows that in order to quell the recent unrest and protests, the IDF has increased the detention of Palestinian children. Not surprisingly, the exercise of arresting and detaining children has been a method of inculcating terror among the younger generation and, as a result, a direct message to parents. There seems to be a clear disregard for international norms and laws in the treatment of Palestinian children by the Israelis, which only further oppresses the Palestinian population. Despite the many legal and moral restrictions in place to protect minors, Palestinian children continue to be mistreated.
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by the Israelis, which only further oppresses the Palestinian population. Despite the many legal and moral restrictions in place to protect minors, Palestinian children continue to be mistreated.' will guarantee this war will continue for the next generation.
THANKS, Bibi. 
