Arrests and Detentions
Israeli Occupation Authorities use random arrests and detentions as a way to try to break the Palestinian spirit and to keep the population fragmented. Each year, about 700 Palestinian children are arrested and prosecuted through the Israeli military court system, according to Swiss-based Defence for Children International – Palestine Section.
Israeli prison authorities routinely resort to the use of administrative detention, against international law. Administrative detention allows authorities to hold Palestinians without charge or trial for up to six months, terms that can be extended indefinitely. Even children as young as 12 years have been held in administrative detention.
Each year, thousands of Palestinians are imprisoned and hundreds are held in administrative detention. Israel also violates international law by holding Palestinians inside Israeli prisons; disproportionate use of solitary confinement; prohibition of family visits; denial of access to education, fresh air and exercise.
