“Tortured”: The Escalating Abuse of Palestinian Children in Israeli Military Detention

This policy brief examines the escalating abuse of Palestinian children in Israeli military detention, highlighting widespread violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Drawing on research involving detained children, caregivers, social workers, and lawyers, the brief documents severe physical, psychological, and sexual abuse, including torture, solitary confinement, deprivation of food and medical care, and denial of legal protections. The findings reveal a significant deterioration in detention conditions since October 2023, with long-term impacts on children’s mental health, education, and wellbeing. The brief calls for the immediate release of detained children, the dismantling of the military detention system for minors, independent investigations into abuses, and stronger international action to protect Palestinian children and uphold their rights.