Israel has the dubious distinction of being the only country in the world that systematically prosecutes an estimated 500 to 700 children each year in military courts lacking fundamental fair trial rights. Children within the Israeli military system commonly report physical and verbal abuse from the moment of their arrest, and coercion and threats during interrogations.

The poster below highlights the specific stages of detention Palestinian children experience when detained by Israeli forces and prosecuted in the Israeli military court system.

Detention must only be used as a measure of last resort. Children should be protected and not placed in places of detention. Please download this poster created by American Friends Service Committee and use in your efforts to promote the No Way to Treat a Child campaign.

In 2018, at least 22 Palestinian children were held in solitary confinement for two or more days while under Israeli military detention. So far in 2019, we have documented 25 Palestinian children who have been subjected to this same practice of pretrial isolation for interrogation purposes. 

Evidence collected by Defense for Children International - Palestine shows these children endure harsh detention conditions while held in isolation, such as 24-hour lighting. Most reported they had nowhere to rest besides a filthy mattress on the floor. 

During interrogations, children held in isolation for interrogation purposes commonly face coercive tactics such as threats, insults and even physical and psychological violence amounting to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment. 

The Israeli military detention system consists of a network of military bases, interrogation and detention centers, police stations and prisons in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and inside Israel. Some of these facilities are inside Jewish-only settlements in the West Bank or closed military areas.