EU deeply concerned over minor detainees’ condition in Israeli prisons

The European Union (EU) on Friday expressed deep concern over the condition of two minors who were detained and prosecuted by the Israeli authorities, WAFA reported.

In a press statement, the EU Missions in Al Quds and Ramallah expressed their deep concern regarding the circumstances of the recent arrests of two Palestinian minors, Ahed Tamimi and Fawzi Muhammad al Juneidi, as well as the fatal shooting by Israeli security forces of another Palestinian minor, 17-year old Musaab al Tamimi, during protests in the occupied West Bank on January 3.

More than 300 Palestinian children are currently being held in Israeli military detention, estimated the EU Missions.

The EU recalled “the importance of respecting and protecting the rights of the child, including and in particular during arrest, detention and judicial procedures.”

It called on Israel to respond proportionately to protests, and open investigations following fatalities, in particular when involving a minor.

The EU and EU Missions in Al Quds and Ramallah reiterated that they “continue to promote and protect the rights of the child” and called on Israel to “act accordingly, as the occupying power and duty bearer, in relation to the occupied Palestinian territories as they fall under Israeli military law.”

“The use of administrative detention of children without formal charge is of particular concern,” the statement concluded. (MENA)