Israel’s abuse of young Palestinians is shocking

The UN body also found evidence of practices that were “cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of punishment”.

It should be remembered that the vast number of Palestinian children who come in contact with the forces of the illegal Israeli occupation in Palestine commit offences that are political in nature. Yes, throwing a stone is a legitimate form of political expression against a nation that subverts human rights, demolishes the homes and heritage areas of the Palestinian people, and keeps fathers and mothers in long periods of illegal captivity.

The abuses inflicted on the next generation of Palestinians merely serves to instil a sense of brotherhood, nationhood and fraternity against a common enemy.

According to Israeli law, the maximum sentence for those under 14 is six months. Once 14, Palestinians face the prospect of up to 20 years behind bars for acts of resistance against the illegal occupation. In no other country in the world are such sentences imposed on the youth. It’s about time Israel realised that it doesn’t matter how long sentences are. The Palestinian cause is just.