Data compiled by Defence for Children International-Palestine show that Israel’s use of administrative detention – imprisoning people without charge or trial – against minors quadrupled since last year.
Israeli forces told 16-year-old Ahed, “Stay where you are and don’t move. You’re a terrorist.” For two hours, they used her as a human shield in a gun battle – then they bombed her family’s home with rocket-propelled grenades.
While millions of Americans have been celebrating Christmas, Israeli forces have been attacking men, women, & children in the Bethlehem region, where shepherds are said to have received a profoundly wondrous message: “Peace on earth, goodwill to men”… Defense for Children reports: “Israeli forces targeted Palestinian children with excessive force making 2021 the deadliest year for Palestinian children since 2014.” (videos)
Evictions, demolitions, and UXO are constant risks for Palestinian children living in areas of the Jordan Valley that Israel has declared as “firing zones,” where Israeli battalions regularly assemble to hone their combat skills. “During 2016, we were forced to evacuate our houses around 30 times…”