On August 21, 2024, a new report from DCIP (Defense for Children International Palestine) was published. The report states that the Israeli military systematically captures children, tortures them and uses them as human shields. Various statements show how horribly Palestinian children are treated.
Karim (12) & Abdulrahman (11)
Photo: DCIP archive
“They insulted us, punched me in the face and kicked me in the stomach and side. I almost died from these abuses”; said 12-year-old Karim S. "They made us walk in front of the bulldozers and tanks they drove through the streets, so that the resistance couldn't attack them."
Another heartbreaking statement came from Abdulrahman H. (11 years old). “They unleashed dogs on me to scare me, hit me on the head and made me take off all my clothes. They shot real bullets over our heads, kept calling us names and swearing at us. We sat in the middle of a stadium all night with our heads between our legs, surrounded by dogs, soldiers and tanks.”
“Every time someone asked for water or said they needed to go to the bathroom, they were hit with guns.”
Mohammad (16)
The report continues with a statement from 16-year-old Mohammad S.
“I was kicked in the face, the scars are still visible.”
“They dragged me across the ground, blood spurting from my knees, feet, face and head. I didn't know where I was anymore. They threatened to kill me and feed my body to the dogs. They kept calling me disgusting swear words that I had never heard before.”
It can be read that it does not matter whether these children have identified themselves as citizens. They are 'arrested' when they walk or play in the street, they are dragged from their homes and separated from their parents.
Unjust legislation
Photo: Defence for Children international - Palestine
Since 2002, Israel has passed a law allowing the military to arrest anyone it deems an enemy, both adults and children. They do not have to provide substantiation for this or follow the normal legal process. These prisoners are also not given the official international title of prisoner of war. Israel may detain these Palestinian citizens without charge or right to a lawyer. The detention can be extended again and again indefinitely. They call this administrative detention. During the period that they are held, the Palestinians, including many children, are subjected to torture by the Israeli army.
systematic
The systematic way in which this happens makes it clear that the Israeli occupation army very consciously isolates the children from their families. Ironically, this army calls itself the most moral army in the world.
photo: Basel Adraa
The children are deprived of every basic human right and are deliberately tortured. It appears to be the aim of the Israeli army to cause as much physical and psychological damage as possible. This approach is a clear violation of international law.
Important
It is important that we highlight these reports, as heartbreaking as they are to read. Closing our eyes to this immense suffering will never be an option for Plant een Olijfboom (Plant an Olive Tree), because only then can we continue to hope for and work towards change.
DCIP is the local branch of the renowned DCI, Defense for Children international. DCIP has been committed to defending Palestinian children for more than 30 years. She provides free legal support, documents violations of international law and fights for better protection of Palestinian children.