AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE IMPACT OF THE ISRAELI GAZA CONFLICT ON CHILDREN

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the study

Children, particularly those of Palestinian descent, have been actively involved in the ongoing Palestinian/Israeli conflict, experiencing various forms of violence such as shootings and bombings. Additionally, they have been targeted for recruitment into terrorist activities, subjected to detentions, and subjected to additional stringent security measures. Palestinian children residing in the West Bank and Gaza have been subjected to recurring episodes of brutality, exploitation, deliberate killings, and collective punitive measures within the context of the Israeli military occupation (Alyan, Nisreen, and Meytal Russo, 2016). In the regions of West Bank and East Jerusalem, Palestinian minors and young individuals who engage in activities such as engaging in protests, hurling projectiles, or attempting attacks have been subjected to severe physical injuries, arbitrary detentions, and extrajudicial executions. Jewish children and teens residing in Israel have been subjected to rocket strikes, deliberate acts of terrorism, and recurring episodes of violence. These incidents, in turn, have been used as the rationale for security measures that encroach upon the well-being of Palestinians, especially children. Recent political developments have seen an increase in solidarity and collaborative efforts between Palestinian youth residing in Israel, who enjoy improved living circumstances, and their counterparts in the Occupied Territories of the West Bank and Gaza. There has been a notable rise in the involvement of Palestinian youth in both non-violent activism and violent activities (Cohen, 2018). Social media has facilitated stronger interactions among young individuals, disregarding geographical boundaries and political divisions. Right-wing Zionists and Jewish settlement youth have increasingly shown heightened involvement by means of Israeli flag marches into Palestinian areas, as well as engaging in acts of harassment against Palestinians. Hence, there has been a surge in the prevalence of both violent and non-violent forms of activism among young people, even those who are not directly impacted by the war.

From an early age, Palestinian and Israeli youngsters are often socialised to choose roles as warriors or freedom fighters. Research findings indicate that Jewish kindergartens have a significant role in the transmission of conflict-supporting communal narratives pertaining to the ethos of conflict and collective memory. This transmission is particularly evident via the observance of national rituals and celebrations of holidays (Nasie et al., 2015). Israeli children are subject to many experiences influenced by their parents and schools. These experiences may include engagement in activities such as boy scouts, military camps specifically designed for Jewish children, and participation in Zionist flag celebrations, such as those held on Jerusalem day. These state and private initiatives together contribute to the process of socialisation among Israeli children. In many Israeli kindergartens and public institutions, there is a tendency to idealise militancy and rationalise collective activities and objectives.

Nasie et al. (2015) have observed that narratives pertaining to Jewish holidays, which exalt armed conflicts, triumphs in warfare, and heroic military figures, alongside narratives recounting distressing incidents, are now being disseminated inside kindergarten educational settings. At the age of 16 and a half, Israeli children undergo the process of formal enlistment, which involves recruiting, ability assessments, and socialisation into the Israeli army. In contrast, Palestinian adolescents often involve themselves in activism from a young age. The number of Palestinian children living under the occupation is progressively rising, leading to a diminished sense of childhood and a heightened state of apprehension, as they face the possibility of mortality. The lives of Palestinian children are consistently disrupted by a range of distressing events, including communal violence, harassment, settlement assaults, regular encounters with military checkpoints, shootings, home evictions, and demolitions (Defence for Children International, 2023). The Israeli armed forces have identified Palestinian youth, who actively participate in both violent and non-violent agitation, as a focal point for their operations. According to Danon (2018), security forces and many leaders often see youngsters from the opposing group as belonging to the enemy, hence diminishing the significance of distinguishing between adults and juveniles. The Office for the Special Representative for Children and Armed Conflict (SRSGCAC) has raised numerous concerns with both Israel and the relevant Palestinian authorities regarding the occurrence of violence and the killing of children by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), the exploitation of children by Islamic extremist groups, and the general absence of security for children within the context of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict (UN Children Report, 2016). Therefore, the study investigates  the impact of the Israeli Gaza conflict on children.

1.2 Statement of the problem

The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) emphasises four fundamental themes, including protective rights, survival and development, non-discrimination, and child involvement (The Alliance for Child protective in Humanitarian Action, 2019). The Convention was adopted by Israel in 1991; yet, it has faced criticism for its perceived failure to adhere to the ideals outlined in the agreement. Israel has faced criticism from UNICEF for its lack of a government-appointed commission on children's rights and its reluctance to implement a national plan or programme specifically focused on children's rights (Guterres, 2021). Israel asserts that the application of the Convention in the West Bank is not applicable, and moreover, does not classify anyone under the age of 16 residing in the Occupied territories as children. This stance is in contrast to Israeli legislation, which defines a child as an individual under the age of 18, aligning with the provisions outlined in the Convention. The absence of adequate safeguards, particularly for children residing in Palestinian territories under occupation, has elicited significant concerns. According to the United Nations Human Rights Council (2019), the prevailing age of accountability for Palestinian children living inside the context of Israeli occupation is 12 years. Nonetheless, it has been seen that Israeli military forces have detained Palestinian children below the age of 12 without the awareness of their parents. Furthermore, children as young as 12 have been incarcerated without being formally charged, receiving a fair trial, or being provided with proper legal counsel (Memo, 2019). There are significant disparities in the reality and overall safety and protection experienced by youngsters residing in Israel and Palestine. In the context of Israel, it is observed that Jewish children are seldom subjected to direct targeting. However, it is noteworthy that Palestinian children residing in the West Bank and Gaza, who are living under military occupation, often experience injuries and fatalities as a result of their involvement in protests, instances of violent escalation, or indiscriminate shootings. Based on data provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), it has been reported that from 2008 until the conclusion of 2021, a total of 333 male Palestinian individuals and 20 female Palestinian individuals lost their lives (OCHA 2023).  Hence, the study investigate the impact of the Israeli Gaza conflict on children.

1.3       Objective of the study

The broad objective of the study is to investigate the impact of the Israeli Gaza conflict on children. The specific objectives is as follows

i.                    Determine the level of emotional distress among children caught up in the Israeli- Palestinian crisis.

ii.                  Analyze the effects of the use of children as human shields during crisis.

iii.                Assess the impact of the Israeli Palestinian crisis on the emotional and mental wellbeing of children.

1.4       Research Questions

The following questions have been prepared for the study

i.          What is the level of emotional distress among children caught up in the Israeli- Palestinian crisis?

ii.        What are the effects of the use of children as human shields during crisis?

iii.      What are the impact of the Israeli Palestinian crisis on the emotional and mental wellbeing of children?

1.5       Significance of the study

The findings of the study will be significant to the international community as it will expose them on the need to look into the root cause of the  Israeli and palestinians and how the crisis have affected children in both Israel and Gaza. Both sided should priortise the wellbeing of children as the study will reveal the extent at which children have been part of the collateral damage in this crisis.

The findings of the study will be ignificant to the academic community as it will contribute to the existing literature.

1.6       Scope of the study

The study focuses on  the impact of the Israeli Gaza conflict on children. Hence, the study will determine the level of emotional distress among children caught up in the Israeli- Palestinian crisis, analyze the effects of the use of children as human shields during crisis and assess the impact of the Israeli Palestinian crisis on the emotional and mental wellbeing of children.

1.7       Limitation of the study

Like in every human endeavour, the researchers encountered slight constraints while carrying out the study. Insufficient funds tend to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature, or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire, and interview), which is why the researcher resorted to a moderate choice of sample size. More so, the researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. As a result, the amount of time spent on research will be reduced

1.8       Definition of terms

Conflict:a serious disagreement or argument, typically a protracted one.