16-year-old Hussein lived in the same clothes for 10 months after being shot by Israeli forces and detained. He was beaten by soldiers and underwent surgery before being taken to Ofer Prison. Since then, he has received minimal medical attention and now struggles to walk and cope with the physical and mental impact of his experience.
Hussein is just one of hundreds of children detained by Israel, many of whom face abuse, torture, and neglect in Israeli detention facilities, according to rights groups and UN agencies. The number of child arrests has increased significantly since Israel’s assault on Gaza in October, with more than 700 children documented as being in detention.
Children in Israeli jails are subjected to various forms of mistreatment, including inadequate food rations, lack of medical attention, and overcrowded cells. Many suffer from physical and mental health issues as a result of their time in detention. The use of administrative detention, where children are held based on secret evidence, has also seen a concerning rise.
One such child, Ahmed Abu Naim, recounts his experiences of severe beatings, lack of hygiene, and overcrowding during his time in Israeli detention. The conditions have left a lasting impact on his health and well-being, with little support for his recovery upon release.
The stories of Hussein and Abu Naim shed light on the ongoing human rights violations faced by Palestinian children in Israeli detention and the long-lasting effects it has on their lives. The international community, human rights organizations, and UN agencies continue to call for an end to these abuses and for justice for all Palestinian prisoners.
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