’Despite the fact that international norms reaffirm that civilians, especially children, generally should not be brought before military courts, Israel remains the only country in the world to automatically and systematically prosecute children in military courts’’ Defence for Children, 2023.

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Israel’s treatment of Palestinians is multifaceted, extending beyond the physical to include psychological warfare tactics aimed at the most vulnerable population - children. This article explores the various dimensions of Israel's psychological warfare strategies directed at Palestinian children, examining the impacts and ethical implications.

The Gaza Strip and the West Bank have been deeply affected by the trauma resulting from Israel’s violence, leading to significant psychological disorders among the population. Despite this, there is a dearth of reports focusing on the psychiatric conditions affecting children and adolescents and the treatment strategies employed. The Gaza Strip presents a unique scenario where children are routinely exposed to traumatic events related to Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian Territories, contributing to the escalation of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among them.

Palestinian children, akin to adults, confront arrest, prosecution, and imprisonment within Israel's military detention apparatus, a system characterized by a stark absence of fair trial protections. Since 1967, Israel has enforced dual legal frameworks in the same region, subjecting Israeli settlers to civilian law while imposing military law on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.Remarkably, Israel stands alone globally in consistently trying children in military courts devoid of fundamental legal safeguards, with an estimated 500 to 700 Palestinian children prosecuted annually, according to Defense for Children International Palestine (DCIP).

Since 2000, roughly 13,000 Palestinian children have been detained, interrogated, and incarcerated by Israeli military authorities, constituting approximately 3 out of 4 Palestinian child detainees experiencing physical violence at the hands of Israeli forces.

Notably, children as young as 12 years old fall under this punitive regime, with a staggering 59% experiencing night-time arrests, 86% not informed of the reason for their arrest, 97% having their hands bound, 89% being blindfolded, 75% subjected to physical violence, 58% subjected to verbal abuse, humiliation, or intimidation during or after their arrest, 54% transferred from the place of their arrest on the floor of a military vehicle, 80% subjected to strip searches, 42% denied adequate food and water, 31% denied access to a toilet, 66% not properly informed of their rights, 97% interrogated without a family member present, 55% shown or made to sign a paper in Hebrew, a language most Palestinian children do not understand, 36% threatened or coerced, 25% subjected to stress positions, and 23% detained in solitary confinement for interrogation purposes for a period of two or more days. The interrogation process typically lacks familial presence and involves intimidation tactics, linguistic barriers, and threats, perpetuating a cycle of coercion and trauma for Palestinian child detainees.

Despite considerable scrutiny from U.N. human rights entities such as the Committee on the Rights of the Child, the Committee Against Torture, the U.N. Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on Children in Armed Conflict, alongside numerous governmental governmental organizations, Israeli and nonauthorities persistently neglect to enact substantive reforms to halt their illegal treatment of Palestinian child detainees. This reality is epitomized by the prevalence of charges, primarily stone-throwing, levelled against children, with thousands of Palestinian children subjected to military detention over the last two decades, making them “the only children in the world who are systematically prosecuted in military courts,” according to Save the Children and Defence for Children. The arrest of up to 880 Palestinian children by Israeli forces in the current year underscores the gravity of the situation, enabled by Israel’s draconian military legislation.

Criticism from human rights groups has long targeted Israel’s application of military law, a legal framework selectively imposed on Palestinians in occupied territories, in stark contrast to the enhanced rights enjoyed by Israeli settlers under civilian law. Save the Children's findings indicate a distressing reality, with 86% of detained children experiencing physical abuse, 69% subjected to strip searches, and 42% sustaining injuries during arrests. Meanwhile, counterparts in Israeli settlements typically face summons for police questioning during daylight hours, with parental presence at the station.

The prevalence of stone-throwing charges reflects a broader strategy aimed not solely at deterring such actions but also at exerting control over Palestinian communities. Many children face arrest during nighttime raids, and some endure administrative detention without trial, raising myriad human rights concerns, including traumatic arrest procedures and abusive treatment by Israeli soldiers. Such systematic violations contravene the U.N. Conventions on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Israel in 1991.

Moreover, the disproportionately high conviction rate exceeding 99% in military courts is indicative of coercive interrogation tactics, which often result in “guilty” pleas due to the expedient route they offer out of custodial detention. Legal representation is often an afterthought, with children only granted access to a lawyer postinterrogation through private means or charities like DCIP. The fundamentally flawed nature of these legal proceedings further underscores the erosion of justice within this system, wherein challenging a charge may result in indefinite detention until trial conclusion.

Ill-treatment of Palestinian children in the Israeli military detention system appears to be widespread, systematic, and institutionalized.

This assertion is grounded in the recurring reports and the sheer volume, consistency, and persistence of these claims. UNICEF's comprehensive examination, encompassing documented cases of grave violations of child rights, coupled with interviews with Israeli and Palestinian legal professionals and Palestinian children, lends further weight to this assertion.

The observed pattern of maltreatment encompasses a range of egregious practices, and this mistreatment extends into court proceedings, where children face further infringements on their rights, including shackling, denial of bail, imposition of custodial sentences, and even transfer outside occupied Palestinian territory to serve sentences within Israel. Such practices not only isolate children from their families but also disrupt their education, compounding the injustices they face.

These practices flagrantly contravene international law, which safeguards all children against mistreatment when they come into contact with law enforcement, military, or judicial institutions. The indiscriminate application of military law and the operation of military courts in the West Bank are ostensibly justified under the Hague regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention. However, these legal frameworks stipulate that such measures should be temporary and solely for ensuring security, which stands in stark contrast to Israel's protracted use of military courts over 56 years—a far cry from a temporary solution.

Israel's unique status as the sole nation systematically prosecuting children in military tribunals is a profound concern, particularly given the prevalent charge of stonethrowing, a practice often shrouded in ambiguity regarding culpability. While acknowledging the gravity of stone-throwing, it remains unconscionable to subject children to nighttime arrests, interrogation without legal representation, and the absence of parental notification— a stark departure from the protections afforded in civil courts.

Israel's actions are not only in violation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which it ratified in 1991, but also reflect a departure from international norms regarding the age of criminal responsibility and the treatment of juvenile offenders. Despite raising the age of majority from 16 to 18 in 2011, Israel continues to sentence 16 and 17-year-olds as adults, exacerbating the injustices within the legal system.

Administrative detention, originally intended as a temporary measure during the British Mandate, has morphed into a punitive tool, with Palestinians subjected to prolonged detention without trial—a practice that flouts the Fourth Geneva Convention's prohibition on transferring and holding prisoners outside occupied territory.

The scale of Israel's detention apparatus is staggering, with thousands of Palestinians currently incarcerated, including children. These figures, coupled with reports of physical and psychological torture during detention, underscore the urgent need for accountability and reform within Israel's justice system.

The assertion that Israel has effectively turned the occupied Palestinian territories into an "open-air prison" through widespread, systematic, and arbitrary detentions of Palestinians since 1967 is underscored by Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied territories. Albanese's findings, presented at a press briefing in Geneva and outlined in a report to the UN Human Rights Council, reveal the stark reality faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation.

Since 1967, more than 800,000 Palestinians, including children as young as 12, have been subjected to arrest and detention by Israeli forces, a fact corroborated by a sixmonth investigation involving consultations, testimonies, and a comprehensive review of primary and public sources. The report exposes the blurring of lines between Israel's security concerns and the criminalization of ordinary Palestinian life, with Palestinians often presumed guilty without evidence, detained without charge or trial, and subjected to brutal treatment in Israeli custody.

Albanese highlights unlawful detention practices that could constitute international crimes, condemning Israel's imposition of martial laws that solely target Palestinians while Jewish-Israeli settlers residing illegally in the same areas are governed by Israeli domestic law. This dual legal system, according to Albanese, serves as the linchpin of Israel's apartheid regime, perpetuating a cycle of discrimination, persecution, and breaches of due process against Palestinians.

Moreover, the year 2022 witnessed a surge in deadly violence against Palestinian children in the occupied territories, particularly in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israeli forces intensified arrest operations and incursions into Palestinian cities, resulting in numerous casualties, including children. The targeting of Palestinian children, exemplified by the tragic events in the Jenin and Nablus governorates, underscores the systemic violence and impunity perpetuated by Israel's military occupation.

The prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Palestinian children and adolescents exposed to political violence further elucidates the profound psychological impact of Israel's occupation. A systematic review and meta-analysis revealed a staggering trauma prevalence of 88.4%, highlighting the urgent need for mental health support and intervention in Palestine.

The existence of Palestinian children is profoundly impacted by the omnipresent spectre of fear and the enduring weight of trauma resulting from the protracted Israeli occupation. This pernicious reality not only transgresses their fundamental human entitlements but also deprives them of the innocence and protection inherently associated with childhood.

During a side event organized by Defence for Children International (DCI), the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, and Amnesty International, held in Geneva on 12 July 2023, UN experts and civil society voiced concerns over the severe human rights violations faced by Palestinian children due to the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.

During a side event organized by Defence for Children International (DCI), the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, and Amnesty International, held in Geneva on 12 July 2023, UN experts and civil society voiced concerns over the severe human rights violations faced by Palestinian children due to the ongoing illegal occupation of Palestinian territory.

Israeli military courts, lacking basic safeguards for fair trials, detain and prosecute an estimated 500 to 700 Palestinian children annually. According to Khaled Quzmar, Palestinian children are subjected to illtreatment, torture, and violations of their rights from the moment of arrest, often in violent night raids.

Despite international norms stipulating that civilians, especially children, should not face military courts, Israel remains the sole country to routinely prosecute children in such courts. Special Rapporteur Albanese highlighted the systematic criminalization of ordinary acts of life under occupation, leading to severe sentences for minor infractions.

The deprivation of liberty experienced by Palestinian children is arbitrary by default, as Israeli authorities systematically disregard fundamental protections for a fair trial. Amnesty International's Budour Hassan noted delays in accessing legal representation, coerced confessions, and punitive sentencing practices.

The most egregious cases involve administrative detention, where Palestinian children are held without charge or trial based on undisclosed evidence. Commissioner Kothari emphasized that this stems from the illegal occupation, while Special Rapporteur Albanese underscored the expansion of settlements as constituting a war crime.

Budour Hassan emphasized that the military court system operates within an apartheid framework, systematically violating Palestinian rights. Commissioner Kothari condemned terrorist designations against NGOs, including DCI-Palestine, urging their rescission to protect vulnerable children.

The Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty underscores the harmful impact of detention on children, both physically and psychologically. Of the 1254 patients examined, 23.2% exhibited symptoms indicative of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)., 17.3% exhibited symptoms of anxiety disorder (excluding PTSD or acute stress disorder), and 15.3% presented symptoms of depression. Notably, PTSD was more prevalent among children aged 15 years or younger, while depression was the predominant symptom observed among adults. Factors significantly associated with PTSD in children included witnessing murder or physical abuse, receiving threats, and experiencing property destruction or loss. Psychological care, primarily in the form of individual, short-term psychotherapy, was provided to 65.1% of patients, with approximately 30.6% requiring psychotropic medication. Therapy sessions for children were longer compared to adults.

A sample of 1,029 school pupils aged between 11 to 17 years participated in the study, with 51.8% being female and 48.2% male. The War-Traumatic Events Checklist (W-TECh) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms Scale (PTSDSS) were employed for data collection.

The findings revealed that a significant majority of children and adolescents experienced personal trauma, witnessed trauma inflicted on others, and observed the demolition of property during the war. Boys were found to have a higher exposure to these traumatic events compared to girls. The prevalence of DSM-V PTSD diagnosis stood at 53.5%. Moreover, those who experienced personal trauma witnessed trauma to others, and observed property demolition were more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, even after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic variables. Notably, personal trauma emerged as the strongest predictor of PTSD, followed by witnessing trauma and observing property demolition.

The study underscores the intricate relationship between war-related traumatic events, PTSD, and demographic and socioeconomic factors among Palestinian children and adolescents in the Gaza Strip. Interventions aimed at mitigating psychological symptoms and enhancing resilience should consider these factors, including gender, age, socioeconomic status, and residential location, to tailor effective strategies for support and intervention.

Interviews conducted by Save the Children reveal the distressing experiences of former child detainees. Issa recalls being subjected to verbal threats and physical violence during interrogation, while Fatima describes being assaulted and handcuffed by Israeli forces at a military checkpoint. Such traumatic events leave lasting scars, both physically and psychologically.

The psychological toll of detention is profound, with nearly half of the children interviewed struggling to return to normalcy. Mahmoud, detained at 17, reflects on heightened anger and trust issues post-release, echoing sentiments shared by many former detainees. The cycle of trauma perpetuated by the Israeli occupation exacerbates emotional distress, compounding the challenges faced by these vulnerable children.

The aftermath of trauma prompts a surge in international humanitarian interventions ostensibly aimed at assuaging the psychological repercussions afflicting Palestinian children. However, while these initiatives purport to address the multifaceted ramifications of violence, they concurrently risk engendering a depoliticization of the prevailing occupational milieu. By construing the occupation primarily through the prism of individualized trauma, these interventions marginalize the collective struggle for Palestinian self-determination.

Scholarly inquiry has shed light on the enduring prevalence of PTSD among Palestinian children, with exposure to chronic violence intricately linked to heightened levels of anxiety, depression, and traumatic stress. Despite emergent initiatives aimed at ameliorating the psychological toll, persistent debates abound regarding the long-term psychosocial repercussions and the inherent resilience of Palestinian youth.

Moreover, the discourse of trauma, while instrumental in foregrounding the psychological exigencies attendant to systemic oppression, concurrently risks diluting the inherently political nature of occupational violence. By rendering political strife amenable to medical intervention, this discourse serves to obfuscate the underlying socio-political realities undergirding the occupation.

In light of these considerations, while trauma relief initiatives may furnish temporary palliative measures, they simultaneously run the risk of perpetuating a narrative of Palestinian victimhood, thereby perpetuating structural power imbalances and impeding collective efforts toward self-determination. Eventually, the framing of Palestinian suffering within the confines of trauma discourse effectively circumscribes their political agency, relegating them to a state of perpetual dependency on external actors for governance and protection.

The discourse concerning Palestinian children within the framework of trauma and humanitarian suffering is intricate and deeply enmeshed within broader sociopolitical dynamics. This discourse not only influences perceptions of Palestinian youth but also informs the strategies and interventions undertaken by humanitarian organizations. Central to this discourse is the construction of childhood trauma and the subsequent mobilization of particular subjectivities through humanitarian aid narratives.

The discourse concerning Palestinian children within the framework of trauma and humanitarian suffering is intricate and deeply enmeshed within broader sociopolitical dynamics. This discourse not only influences perceptions of Palestinian youth but also informs the strategies and interventions undertaken by humanitarian organizations. Central to this discourse is the construction of childhood trauma and the subsequent mobilization of particular subjectivities through humanitarian aid narratives.

Moreover, an underlying assumption permeates this discourse: that all Palestinian children growing up under occupation are inherently traumatized, and failure to promptly address this trauma may engender future violence and aggression. This assumption reflects a pervasive belief in the notion that exposure to violence inevitably begets individual aggression—an idea rooted in the intuitive perception that one's environment profoundly shapes one's psyche.

As a result, trauma discourse not only constructs an image of Palestinian children as vulnerable to suffering but also as potentially threatening. Consequently, humanitarian relief projects aimed at addressing trauma in Palestinian children often seek to cultivate rational and self-managing subjects, framing the issue primarily as a psychological matter rather than a political one. This paradigmatic shift effectively transforms the problem of occupation into a question of individual psychology, with the psyche of Palestinian youth positioned as the focal point of intervention.

While major international NGOs wield considerable influence in propagating humanitarian psychiatric relief in Palestine, the pervasive nature of trauma discourse extends beyond these organizations to encompass smaller, community-based initiatives. Palestinian community organizations adeptly navigate the language of trauma to secure international support, demonstrating a remarkable degree of flexibility and creativity in their pursuit of survival.

While major international NGOs wield considerable influence in propagating humanitarian psychiatric relief in Palestine, the pervasive nature of trauma discourse extends beyond these organizations to encompass smaller, community-based initiatives. Palestinian community organizations adeptly navigate the language of trauma to secure international support, demonstrating a remarkable degree of flexibility and creativity in their pursuit of survival.

To attain a more nuanced understanding of how Palestinian children negotiate and contest the discourse of trauma and humanitarian suffering, a methodologically rigorous approach is indispensable. We can elucidate how Palestinian youth reproduce and contest dominant narratives surrounding trauma by synthesizing critical discourse analysis with participatory research methods. It is crucial to strive towards empowering Palestinian children to become active agents in shaping their own narratives, moving beyond the constraints of victimhood to explore the diverse ways in which they resist and navigate their experiences within the larger framework of occupation.

The discourse surrounding Palestinian children's experiences of trauma and humanitarian suffering is complex, intersecting with broader socio-political dynamics. Within this discourse, children are often depicted as passive victims of unidentified violence, positioning them as recipients of external intervention rather than as political actors capable of understanding, resisting, and healing from violence within their wider community. This portrayal not only underscores the assumption that Palestinian children are inherently traumatized but also implies dire consequences if this trauma remains unaddressed, suggesting a link between past violence and future social and behavioural issues.

depicted as passive victims of unidentified violence, positioning them as recipients of external intervention rather than as political actors capable of understanding, resisting, and healing from violence within their wider community. This portrayal not only underscores the assumption that Palestinian children are inherently traumatized but also implies dire consequences if this trauma remains unaddressed, suggesting a link between past violence and future social and behavioural issues.

Moreover, projects such as computer education programs appeal to international donors by presenting internetrelated activities as forms of psychological support and avenues for self-expression, framing education as a means to heal trauma, build skills, and promote peace. However, underlying these initiatives is the implicit assumption that empowering Palestinian children through education and self-expression will transform them into peaceful and productive global citizens, thus averting the risk of radicalization.

This narrative of trauma relief programs linking individual healing to personal productivity overlooks the broader political context of occupation and reduces the violence of occupation to individual psychological symptoms and developmental hurdles. However, ethnographic research with Palestinian children challenges these assumptions, revealing diverse responses to violence, including empowerment and resistance.

Children acknowledge the psychological toll of occupation and demonstrate resilience and solidarity within their communities. They use creative tools learned from humanitarian projects to engage in political resistance and collective storytelling, challenging dominant narratives of victimhood and trauma. Through photography and video projects, they highlight the ongoing effects of occupation on their communities, emphasizing collective struggle and resilience rather than individual suffering.

Empirical evidence, as delineated in a study featured in ‘Frontiers in Psychiatry’ (2022), underscores the ubiquitous exposure of Palestinian children and adolescents to traumatic events. A staggering majority have encountered personal trauma (88.4%), witnessed the harrowing effects of trauma upon others (83.7%), and beheld the demolition of property (88.3%). Notably, the prevalence of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) diagnoses stands at an alarming 53.5%, with discernible correlations between exposure to traumatic events and heightened susceptibility to PTSD, even after statistical adjustments for demographic and socioeconomic covariates. Among the traumatic incidents, personal trauma emerges as the most salient predictor of subsequent PTSD manifestation, followed by the witnessing of trauma and the observation of property demolitions.

While trauma discourse initially provided a platform for Palestinian narratives within the humanitarian sphere, it has also constrained children's political agency by pathologizing their experiences and prescribing individualized solutions. However, children's interpretations and responses to trauma reveal a more nuanced understanding of resilience and resistance within the context of occupation. By challenging dominant narratives and reclaiming their agency, Palestinian children actively construct their own narratives and advocate for their rights within a broader global context.

While trauma discourse initially provided a platform for Palestinian narratives within the humanitarian sphere, it has also constrained children's political agency by pathologizing their experiences and prescribing individualized solutions. However, children's interpretations and responses to trauma reveal a more nuanced understanding of resilience and resistance within the context of occupation. By challenging dominant narratives and reclaiming their agency, Palestinian children actively construct their own narratives and advocate for their rights within a broader global context.

Children enduring man-made disasters, such as war, inevitably suffer profound psychological, emotional, and behavioural consequences. While research has drawn parallels between the effects of war on children and survivors of natural disasters, ongoing investigations seek to elucidate the enduring psychological impact of warfare on children. This exploration spans various regions worldwide, highlighting the universal challenges faced by children exposed to war-related trauma.

Generations of Palestinians have borne the brunt of recurrent wars and conflicts since the British occupation in 1917, with the situation escalating in Gaza over the past decade. From the First Intifada to the most recent hostilities in 2021, Palestinian children in Gaza have been subjected to relentless trauma characterized by widespread devastation and loss of life. The cyclical nature of conflict has left an indelible mark on these children, perpetuating a cycle of fear, loss, and psychological distress.

The protracted conflict in Palestine has profoundly affected the mental health of children, manifesting in a range of psychological symptoms and behavioural challenges. Studies have documented alarming rates of depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among Palestinian children, exacerbated by constant exposure to violence, loss, and displacement. Despite the resilience exhibited by many children, the cumulative effects of war trauma continue to cast a long shadow over their lives, hindering their development and well-being.

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Exploring the ordeals faced by Gaza's children, who have endured the horrors of war and still wrestle with its aftermath, underscores the significance of their voices in comprehending and validating their anguish. Wa'ad, a 16-year-old girl from Beit Lahia, bears the weight of depression, causing her to withdraw socially. She articulates her feelings about the war, expressing a profound sense of psychological entrapment and fear: “War is utterly horrifying. I feel trapped and terrified, with nowhere safe, not even my own home. I'm exhausted by it all. We're just children, yet there's no sanctuary for us. I'm weary of hearing about war. I live in constant fear and discomfort. All my hopes and dreams have been shattered.”

Dr. Qadih, a psychologist, highlights the stark reality faced by Palestinians, lamenting the lack of international aid and attention to their plight. He emphasizes the urgent need for comprehensive psychological care to address the deep-seated trauma afflicting Palestinian children: “The children of the war remain neglected by the international community, overlooked in their suffering. Physical wounds are acknowledged, but emotional scars go unnoticed. We need to recognize the psychological toll on Palestinian children—a vast majority of whom require extensive therapy. Our resources are stretched thin, unable to meet the overwhelming demand for psychological support.”

Dr. Owaida, echoing this sentiment, underscores the necessity of addressing the root causes of Palestinian suffering: “Limited resources hinder our efforts, but the solution lies beyond psychological intervention. Ending the occupation and the cycle of violence is paramount. As psychologists, we can only do so much. We cannot promise safety in times of war. Our focus must be on holistic healing, addressing the trauma inflicted on Palestinian children and their families.” [29]

Children's drawings vividly capture the trauma of their experiences—bombed homes, military tanks, and the loss of loved ones—a poignant reflection of the violence that pervades their lives. These visual narratives underscore the urgent need for comprehensive mental health care tailored to each child's unique needs, emphasizing longterm therapy to facilitate healing and resilience.

The grim reality faced by Palestinian children demands global attention and action. Their suffering, compounded by years of conflict and neglect, necessitates robust support systems and advocacy efforts to secure their well-being. Ending the cycle of violence and securing a future of peace and dignity for Palestinian children must be a priority—a responsibility shared by all humanity.

Israel stands alone in its routine prosecution of children within its military court system, devoid of fundamental safeguards for fair trials. Abdullah recounts being forcibly taken from his home enduring multiple detentions over the course of a year, a scenario all too familiar in occupied Palestine. Stone-throwing, deemed a "security offence" often leads to lengthy imprisonment, even for children as young as 12. This alarming trend is well-documented, with NGO Save the Children shedding light on the dire situation. Presently, over 200 Palestinian children languish in Israel's overcrowded Ofer, Damon, and Megiddo Prisons, enduring squalid conditions and limited access to healthcare. Save the Children's report reveals harrowing accounts of abuse and torture, portraying a stark reality where children suffer dehumanizing treatment.

From arbitrary arrests to coercive interrogations, children's rights are routinely violated throughout the detention process. The lack of accountability and disregard for international law only exacerbate their suffering, highlighting the urgent comprehensive support and advocacy.

The international community must hold Israel accountable for its violations of children's rights, demanding an end to impunity. The Convention on the Rights of the Child, ratified by Israel, mandates imprisonment as a last resort and for the shortest duration possible, yet these principles are routinely flouted.

Concrete steps must be taken to safeguard the well-being of Palestinian children, ensuring their rights are respected and upheld. The time has come for collective action to bring an end to the cycle of abuse and injustice endured by Palestinian children at the hands of the Israeli occupation.

Israel's psychological warfare targeting Palestinian children represents a grave violation of human rights and ethical standards. The international community must condemn these tactics and work towards a just and peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Every child matters. Reclaim The Narrative

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Literature Cited

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Journal World Social Psychiatry. (2022). The Psychological Effects of the Occupation and Chronic Warfare on Palestinian Children. [Online] Available at: [https://journals.lww.com/wpsy/fulltext/2022/04020/continuou s_traumatic_stress_in_palestine__the.10.aspx]

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United Nations. (2019). United Nations Global Study on Children Deprived of Liberty. [Online] Available at: [https://www.ohchr.org/en/treaty-bodies/crc/united-nationsglobal-study-children-deprived-liberty No way to treat a child. (2023).

FACT SHEET: Palestinian children in Israeli military detention. [Online] Available at: [https://nwttac.dcipalestine.org/fact_sheet_palestinian_children_in_israeli_milita ry_detention