A new Israeli law that allows youngsters as young as 12 to get life sentences has been sharply criticized by UN human rights experts. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which Israel adopted in 1991, is violated by this statute, the experts said. The law targets youngsters who are suspected of committing significant crimes that are classified as terrorist acts, which raises grave human rights concerns around the globe.
A new Israeli law, passed by the Knesset on November 7, 2024, allows courts to sentence Palestinian children as young as 12 years old to life imprisonment for crimes classified as “terrorism,” including murder or attempted murder, even if committed during protests or unrest. This law marks a significant departure from previous legal standards, where children under 14 could not be imprisoned in adult facilities and were generally treated under juvenile law emphasizing rehabilitation
The UN experts pointed out that in addition to this rule, another one permits Israel to halt financial assistance intended for the welfare of children, which further affects disadvantaged populations. Amid increased regional tensions, both regulations were approved in November 2024, particularly impacting occupied Palestinian youngsters.
The experts claim that keeping Palestinian youngsters in the occupied West Bank who are 12 years of age or older is already permitted under Israeli military law. The new law greatly increases the severity of punishments, allowing judges to sentence someone to life in prison for offenses like murder or attempted murder that are connected to terrorism.
The UN human rights authorities emphasized that putting minors in life jail is against international norms and human dignity and urged Israel to urgently examine and repeal these severe legislation. They called on international players to exert pressure on Israel to uphold the rights of children and safeguard their well-being.
Human rights organizations, including Adalah, argue the law disproportionately targets Palestinian children, especially those in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank, while Israeli Jewish minors are generally prosecuted under criminal law rather than counter-terrorism statutes. Critics highlight that the law abandons rehabilitative approaches, neglects children’s developmental needs, and imposes harsh punitive measures inconsistent with international juvenile justice standards.
This development coincides with the region’s persistent violence and humanitarian issues, which frequently disproportionately affect children. The experts emphasized that in order to protect Palestinian children’s rights and advance justice and peace, the world must act immediately.
