Israeli Forces Detain Nine Palestinian Children in Jerusalem Over Settler Complaint
Occupied Jerusalem (Quds News Network)- Israeli forces have detained nine Palestinian children in Al-Maskobiya interrogation center in occupied Jerusalem, reported Al Jazeera. The youngest, a 12-year-old, was recently released under house arrest. The children face charges in the Jerusalem District Court for allegedly throwing stones at an Israeli settler’s vehicle in Issawiya.
According to lawyer Mohammad Mahmoud from Wadi Hilweh Information Center, Israeli prosecutors claim that on January 30, a settler ‘mistakenly’ entered Issawiya. The settler claimed that nine children, aged 12 to 17, allegedly threw stones at his car, causing damage. Israeli authorities detained the children in three phases between February 27 and March 9. Their lawyers say they endured beatings and prolonged interrogations.
The indictment includes charges of stone-throwing, nationalistically motivated offenses, and attempted assault under aggravated circumstances. The prosecution has not yet disclosed the prison sentences they will seek. However, Mahmoud believes the children will face actual prison time. The case, known as the “Issawiya File,” includes 12 Palestinians, nine of whom are children. A court session has been postponed to April 8 to allow for further case review.
Issawiya has the highest number of child detainees in occupied Jerusalem. Mahmoud states that 70% of Palestinian children arrested in February and March came from this neighborhood. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed three Palestinians in Issawiya, including two children: Mohammad Mustafa, 15, and Laith Abu Marra, 16.
Israeli forces frequently target Issawiya’s entrance, setting up checkpoints, searching vehicles, and detaining residents. In February, residents documented a case where Israeli soldiers forcibly removed a young man from his car, tased him, and subjected him to a humiliating search.
Israeli municipal crews regularly enter Issawiya to issue demolition orders and fines. Authorities claim buildings lack proper permits. Some residents have received fines for minor issues, such as fallen leaves in their yards. The neighborhood has also suffered from frequent sewage flooding as a form of collective punishment.
Issawiya, home to about 24,000 Palestinians, has lost thousands of dunams of land to Israeli settlements. The Hebrew University, Givat Shapira settlement, and Ma’ale Adumim settlement have all expanded at the town’s expense. More land has been seized for settler roads, including Route 1 and Route 437. The “E1” settlement project threatens to cut Issawiya off from its surroundings, reducing its area by 35%.
Israeli authorities have also designated 450 dunams of Issawiya’s land as a “national park.” This park separates Issawiya from the neighboring town of Al-Tur while connecting Israeli settlements. Residents say these measures aim to pressure them into leaving their homes, tightening Israel’s grip on the rest of the occupied capital city Palestinian.
