PLO committee describes new Israeli law as ‘disastrous’ for Palestinian children

The Palestinian Prisoners’ Committee, an affiliate of the PLO, said on Tuesday that a new Israeli law, which stipulates a three-year prison sentence for children throwing stones, is disastrous.

In a statement reported by Anadolu, the committee said that this law is part of a whole raft of “racist and vengeful” Israeli legislation. “It contradicts all international conventions, which clearly protect children, respects their lives and safeguards their privacy,” the rights advocates insisted.

The law, which was ratified this week, also deprives the families of Palestinian children who throw stones from national health insurance during the prison term of the youngsters.

Around 6,500 Palestinians are now being held in Israeli prisons, including more than 300 children. Israel has arrested more than 8,500 Palestinian children since 2000.