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Participation of Children and Teenagers in Terrorist Activity during the Al-Aqsa Intifada |
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Participation of Children and Teenagers in Terrorist Activity during the "Al-Aqsa" Intifada
(Communicated by Israeli security sources)
January 2003
During the Al-Aqsa intifada we have witnessed an evolving phenomenon of the exploitation of teenagers and children by various terrorist organizations in order to perpetrate terrorist attacks, among them suicide attacks against Israeli civilian and military targets. Children and teenagers between the ages of 11 and 18 have over the past few months carried out suicide and other terrorist attacks in which innocent Israeli civilians have been killed and injured. In addition, Israeli security forces apprehended a considerable number of these teenagers and children prior to the perpetration of the terrorist attacks. Terrorist organizations exploit the innocent look of children and teenagers, which does not arouse suspicion and enables them to blend into populated areas. In addition, these children and teenagers, who have not yet reached adulthood, are more susceptible to the terrorist organizations' influence and the recruitment of suicide bombers.
Children and teenagers who are supposed to dream of a better future and enjoy innocence and happiness are thus sucked into the reality of killing and hate. The terrorist organizations which convince the children and teenagers that they will enjoy a life of happiness after death, are actually uprooting these children from their homes and families, and by religious or nationalist incitment are encouraging them to perpetrate terrorist attacks.
Salah Shehade, one of the heads of the Hamas in the Gaza Strip, recently deceased, discussed the use of children in terrorist attacks in an interview on the Islam On Line internet site (May 26, 2002). He said that the children must be trained well prior to perpetrating terrorist attacks and be recruited into a special branch within the organization's military apparatus in order to instill the Jihad culture and teach them right from wrong. Expressions such as these represent one of the primary elements in convincing parents to send their children to perpetrate terrorist attacks.
Ala Saftawi, the chief editor of the Islamic Jihad's "Alastaklal", said on Tehran radio that Gaza Strip residents, especially children, have a high level of willingness to die a martyr's death, because they have nothing to lose.
On June 27, 2002 Palestinian television screened a movie entitled "Children who love the homeland and the martyr's death," in which Dr. Fadel Abu Hin, a psychologist, speaks of the evolving phenomenon of children's involvement in the intifada. Abu Hin mentioned that the word "shouhada" - martyrdom - has a multitude of meanings for Palestinian children in particular and for the entire Islamic community, and it is not simply a matter of putting an end to one's life. Through this action, the children are able to take an active part in the intifada.
Abu Hin produced a poll carried out in the Islamic University in April 2001, on 1,000 teenagers between the ages of 916 in the Gaza Strip: 49% claimed to have taken an active part in the intifada and 73% expressed the desire to be a "shahid" (martyr). These statistics clearly show the growing radicalism among children and teenagers in the territories, who are easily recruited by the terrorist organizations to perpetrate terrorist attacks. During the interview the anchorwoman stated, "The hearts of the Palestinian children are filled not only with anxiety and fear, but also with a strong will to achieve 'Shouhad'a (martyrdom)... Shouhada has become the greatest aspiration for many children who believe that this is the way to win prestige, and to be immortalized among their people."
Not only does the Palestinian media incite and influence the children and teenagers, but the education system and summer camps "brainwash" the adolescents. The adolescents are inculcated with Islamic precepts that call for and encourage Jihad against Israel. At the beginning of July the Islamic Foundation in Gaza organized summer camps called the "Al-Aqsa Martyrs summer camp". These camps continued until the end of July. On July 2, the "Al-Quds" newspaper quoted Sheikh Dr. Ahmed Baher, the chairman of the Islamic Foundation, as saying that the foundation attempted to keep the summer camps going despite the ongoing conflict, because they deeply believe in the values the summer camps are instilling in the children.
In addition, Dr. Baher stated that there is a constant stream of children who want to participate in the Hamas summer camps, where the children receive uniforms, shoes, exercise books and attention from the camp organizers. According to him, non-religious children join the summer camps due to the vast number of attractions that the organization offers. In addition, they teach the children the history of Islam, with pictures of the "martyrs" displayed everywhere, and in this way "instill the seeds of hate against Israel."
Similar summer camps are being conducted by the Palestinian Authority Ministry for Youth and Sport, designed to incite the children, recruit them against Israel and train them in the use of weapons for future terrorist attacks against Israel.
An additional phenomenon worth mentioning is the fact that parents are allowing their children to dress up as "martyrs". More and more, we are witnessing the phenomenon of children participating in marches and parades while dressed as "martyrs" and wearing props similar to explosive charges and slogans proclaiming their "martyr" status. A picture was recently found of a baby wearing an explosive charge and a headband with a slogan dedicating his life to Allah. There is no doubt that this phenomenon has a destructive effect on the education of these children, who imbibe the Jihad culture, making them easy targets for recruitment by terrorist organizations for perpetrating attacks.
The Involvement of Children and Teenagers Between the ages of 11-18 in Terror
On July 6, 2002 two minors, both 11 years old and carrying knives, were apprehended by Israeli security forces near the Dugit outpost. During their questioning by the IDF, they stated that had planned to plant a bomb in the area. One of the youths stated that he wished to commit suicide and had hoped to be killed by IDF fire.
On the night of April 23, 2002 three Palestinian children, students at a Gaza school, attempted to infiltrate the community of Netzarim in order to perpetrate a suicide attack in the town. The three were Ismail Soubh Ibrahim Abu Nada, age 12, Wael Ghazi Moustafa Hamarna, age 13, and Yousef Bassam Yousef Zakout, age 14. IDF forces killed the three adolescents as they attempted to infiltrate the town. The following day, the Hamas Internet site announced that the three, who were sent by the Hamas, belonged to a mosque in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood in Gaza. As part of their special activities, they set up their own terrorist group and decided to wage a Jihad against the Jews. The youths each left behind a last will and testament stressing their desire to die a martyr's death. An ax and a hedge cutter were found on one of the bodies, presumably used to cut the fence that surrounds the town.
A 13 year old youth, a resident of Tulkarem, is suspected of having been recruited during March 2002 by PIJ operatives from the Tulkarem area in order to perpetrate a suicide attack within Israel. The attack was thwarted by Israeli security forces.
Aytham Asad Abu Shoka, 14 years old, a resident of Sheikh Radwan/Gaza, was killed by IDF forces near the Dugit outpost, after being spotted with another individual near the town's fence. Two pipe bombs, a knife and a map of the Gaza Strip, on which Israeli towns were marked, were found on his body.
Fahed Taisir Ali Azazi, 16 years old, a resident of Rafah, was killed at the beginning of February 2002 by IDF fire after he threw a grenade at the Tarmit outpost.
A 15 year old girl, a resident of Bethlehem, was questioned at the beginning of April 2002 following information that indicated she was preparing to perpetrate a suicide attack. She confessed that she planned to carry out a suicide attack with the help of her uncle, a senior Tanzim operative in Bethlehem. She asked her uncle to recruit her to the Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades, and her uncle agreed. Her uncle asked her to recruit additional girls from her school into the organization.
Jamil Khalaf Moustafa Hamid, 16 years old, a resident of Bethlehem, was recruited by the Tanzim. On March 31, 2002 he perpetrated the suicide attack at the Magen David Adom station in Efrat. Six Israeli civilians were injured in the attack.
Noura Jamal Mouhamad Ghanem, 16 years old, a resident of Tulkarem, attempted to stab an IDF soldier at the Taibe check-point near Tulkarem on February 24, 2002. Noura approached the checkpoint during the late evening hours, while her family was asleep in their home. The IDF forces opened fire during an "arrest of a suspect" procedure, which ended in the subject's death. The adolescent's last will and testament was found in her home, in which she had written that she dedicated her terrorist action to her Palestinian brethren who had been killed during the intifada. The Fatah claimed responsibility for the attempted attack.
A 16 year old youth, a resident of the Askar refugee camp, was arrested in May 2002 while traveling in a taxi and carrying an explosive charge. During questioning by the ISA, he confessed that when he was 14 he was recruited into a small Hamas terrorist group, of which two members were 16 years old. The youth stated the two had proposed that he carry out a suicide attack, and he agreed. They introduced him to a Tanzim operative, also a resident of the Askar refugee camp, who manufactured an explosive charge and videotaped him while he read his last will and testament. On the day of his arrest he had a haircut, put on the explosive charge, and met two individuals who transported him to Jenin in a taxi, where he and his escorts were arrested by the IDF.
A 16.5 year old youth was caught while attempting to carry out a suicide attack in the Beit Shean area on August 2, 2001. He confessed during questioning by the ISA that he had been a member of an Islamic Jihad terrorist group, all of whose members were prepared to commit suicide attacks. He mentioned that another youth, also 16.5 years of age, had recruited him to carry out a suicide attack. The latter, who turned himself in to the Israeli security forces in January 2002, confessed that he had recruited a number of additional suicide bombers to perpetrate suicide attacks. In addition he was involved in planning terrorist attacks.
Anwar Ahmed Abd El Khalek Hamed, currently 18 years old, an illiterate resident of Rafah, was previously involved in drug trafficking and use. He is affiliated with the Abu Rish faction of the Fatah and was apprehended on his way to perpetrate a suicide attack when he was 16.5 years old. He confessed during questioning that he was on his way to carry out a suicide attack against a convoy of IDF soldiers along the Gaza coastal road. The attack was planned and directed by Mohammed Sinwar, a senior military operative in the Hamas terror organization in the Gaza Strip. In addition, Anwar confessed that PFLP activists had proposed that he perpetrate a terrorist attack in the community of Morag during the month of Ramadan.
Ahmed Salmi: A 16.5 year old teenager, resident of the Shati refugee camp in the Gaza Strip, was killed on April 16, 2002 by IDF forces near the town of Dugit. Two pipe bombs and a bottle of gunpowder were found in his possession. The Hamas claimed responsibility for the attempted attack.
A 16.5 year old high school student, resident of Tulkarem, was arrested on his way to carry out a suicide attack. During questioning by the ISA, he confessed that a Hamas operative from Tulkarem had recruited him, and proposed that he perpetrate a suicide attack on behalf of the Hamas and Fatah. In addition, he mentioned that he had spoken before his entire school class, and announced that he was planning to carry out a terrorist attack and that he might not return. He requested that his classmates leave his seat empty and place flowers on his chair every day. Subsequently, the youth met with Mohammed Shreim, a Tanzim activist from Tulkarem, who told him he had obtained an explosive charge for him to carry out a suicide attack within Israel. The youth agreed. Mohammed supplied him with the explosive charge and directed him to carru pit the attack at a bus stop within Israel, between two buses, or to board a crowded bus and blow himself up. Mohammed videotaped the youth holding the Koran and taking responsibility for the attack on behalf of the Hamas' "Iz-A-Din Al-Qassam Brigades" and the Fatah's "Al-Aqsa Martyr's Brigades". Mohammed had written a last will and testament for the youth. Israeli security forces near Tira arrested the youth in February 2002, while he was on his way to perpetrate the terrorist attack. During the course of the arrest the youth attempted unsuccessfully to detonate the explosive charge.
Issa Abd Raba Ibrahim Badir, 17 years old, a resident of Doha/Bethlehem, perpetrated the suicide attack in Rishon Lezion on May 22, 2002, in which two Israelis were killed and over 30 injured. Issa was directed by the Fatah military infrastructure in Bethlehem, headed by Ahmed Moughrabi, who was arrested by Israeli security forces on May 27. Ahmed's 16-year-old brother was with him at the time of the arrest, and was arrested along with his brother. Ahmed confessed during questioning that he had directed his brother to pay a suicide bomber and to obtain a stolen car in order to perpetrate the suicide attack. The teenager confessed that he knew the suicide bomber and that he had videotaped the terrorists prior to the attack.
Saed Wadah Awawda, 17 years old, carried out the terrorist attack at the hitchhiking stop in the French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem on June 19, 2002. As a result of the attack 7 citizens were killed and 37 injured. The "Mourabitun Brigades" took responsibility on the "Al-Manar" television.
The hitchhiking stop in French Hill
Jihad Gawdat Mohammad Jarrar - A resident of Hashmiya/Jenin, a student, he was 17 years old when he was caught on his way to perpetrate a suicide attack in Afula on behalf of the Islamic Jihad. He is currently 18 years old. Jihad was arrested on July 11, 2001, while he was carrying a bag that contained an explosive charge. During questioning by the ISA, he confessed that since he started to think of carrying out terrorist attacks at the age of 12, he dreamed of shooting Israeli soldiers. About three years ago he manufactured an improvised rifle and purchased ammunition. Jihad then told his uncle, a member of the Islamic Jihad, that he wished to join the organization and his uncle introduced him to Thabet Mirdawi, a senior Islamic Jihad operative who was arrested during Operation Defensive Shield. Jihad added that approximately a month and a half prior to his arrest he met with Mahmoud Nursi, a senior Islamic Jihad operative in Jenin, who was killed during Operation Defensive Shield. Jihad told Mahmoud that he was interested in carrying out a suicide attack and the latter manufactured an explosive charge that he placed in a bag for Jihad. Mahmoud instructed him to travel to Afula and detonate that explosive charge in a crowded area. Mahmoud videotaped Jihad reciting his last will and testament. On the day of his arrest, Mahmoud gave Jihad the explosive charge and instructed him on how to detonate it. Jihad took a taxi to Afula and upon his arrival attempted unsuccessfully to detonate the charge. He was subsequently arrested.
Imad Farhan Hamran - A resident of Hashmiya/Jenin, he was 17 years old when he attempted to perpetrate a stabbing attack in Afula, along with Jihad Jarar and another terrorist a year ago. Imad was arrested during operation Operation Defensive Shield and confessed during questioning that he had been a member of a terrorist group from his village. The members of this group were adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18, and their goal was to become "martyrs". The terrorist group members underwent physical training. Imad stated that approximately six months ago Jihad Jarar had proposed to him that he carry out a suicide attack. Imad then added that prior to the IDF operation in the Jenin refugee camp, he manufactured explosive charges which he placed in the ground and in long pipes along the walls.
Hazem Atta Yousef, 17 years old, a resident of Beit Jala. On July 30, 2002 he carried out the suicide attack at the falafel stand on Nevi'im Street in Jerusalem, as a result of which 5 people were lightly injured. The Fatah claimed responsibility for the attack. Hazem was a student at the "Talita Kumi" high school, which is a private Christian-Lutheran school. According to his teachers and principal he was a good student. Hazem arrived at Nevi'im Street, in the center of town. He noticed two police officers and panicked. He ran to the entrance of the falafel stand and detonated the explosive charge he carried on his body. The police officers described the youth as a cleanshaven boy with gel in his hair, wearing jeans and a black shirt. He carried a bag in his hand.
The scene at the falafel stand
A 17.5 year old youth, a resident of Yamoun/Jenin, was arrested at the beginning of July 2002. The adolescent confessed during questioning that approximately a year ago he offered himself to his friend, an Islamic Jihad operative, as a possible suicide bomber on behalf of the Islamic Jihad. The youth's friend told him that could join the organization, but that he would get back to him regarding his readiness to commit a suicide attack. Approximately a week prior to the suicide attack at the Megiddo junction on June 5, 2002, in which 17 Israeli citizens were killed and 42 injured, the Islamic Jihad operative proposed that he participate in a car bomb attack. The youth refused and stated that he was afraid of his parents and that he was worried that Israel would demolish his home if he carried out the attack.
A 17.5 year old youth, a resident of Yamoun/Jenin, was arrested in June 2002. The youth confessed that during the summer of 2001 a Tanzim operative proposed that he carry out a suicide attack within Israel, and he agreed. Half a year later, the Tanzim operative instructed the youth to meet with Ali Safouri, a senior Islamic Jihad operative in Jenin who was arrested during Operation Defensive Shield, so that Safouri could train him to carry out the attack. Safouri then gave the youth two options for perpetrating the attack: first, a suicide attack in a crowded area using an explosive charge, or second, to enter Israel with a weapon and open fire at a crowd of civilians. The youth said that he would prefer to carry out a shooting attack, because he preferred that his body remain whole for his arrival in heaven. The youth then videotaped himself reciting his last will and testament, holding a Koran and a rifle. A few days later, he met with Safouri, who told him that now was not the time for a terrorist attack and that he should stay in the Jenin refugee camp and die fighting IDF soldiers. Another Tanzim operative then proposed that he perpetrate a shooting attack using a Kalashnikov rifle with which he would supply him. The youth attempted twice, unsuccessfully, to enter Israel.
Tawfiq Hashem Mahamid and Jalal Khalil Mahamid, residents of the Jenin area, were both 17.5 years old when they were killed as a result of an explosion in a vehicle near Mei Ami on February 8, 2002. The two were on their way to carry out a terrorist attack in a Tel-Aviv nightclub, under the direction of the Islamic Jihad in Jenin.
Ahmed Abd-El Mounem Ahmed Daraghma, a resident of Toubas, was 17.5 years old when he carried out the suicide attack at the entrance to Kibbutz Sheluhot on October 7, 2001. An Israeli citizen was killed in the attack.
Safout Abd-El Rahman Mohammed Khali, a resident of Beit Wazan/Nablus, was 17.5 years old when he carried out a suicide attack on Neve Sha'anan street near the old central bus station in Tel-Aviv on January 25, 2002. As a result of the blast 23 people were injured. The Fatah's Al-Aqsa Brigades and the Islamic Jihad's Jerusalem company claimed responsibility for the attack.
The old central bus station in Tel Aviv
Bilal Wagia Kamel Walid-Ali, a resident of Yamoun/Jenin, was arrested on March 8, 2002 after attempting to perpetrate a suicide attack using a booby-trapped bird cage in the town of Karkur. Bilal was arrested three months before he turned 18. During questioning by the ISA, Bilal confessed that he was a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad and that his cousin, Riad, proposed that he carry out a suicide attack within Israel, after he discovered that Bilal and his fathers were at odds. Bilal agreed to the proposal. On the day of the attack Bilal was given a Kalashnikov rifle from Zeid Younes, a member of the Fatah Force 17 Presidential Guard. He was videotaped taking responsibility for the terrorist attack. Rabia Abu Roub, a senior Islamic Jihad operative from Qabatiya/Nablus, then dressed Bilal in the explosive charge and placed another charge in the birdcage. Zeid Younes taught him how to detonate the explosive charges. Bilal was then instructed to detonate both charges simultaneously once he arrived at his target area or in the event he was caught. Upon Bilal's arrival in Karkur, a civilian noticed him and called him to stop. Bilal attempted to flee, and during the course of his escape left the birdcage behind. Bilal was arrested the next day.
The boobytrapped bird cage
Ghassan Mahmoud Naif Steiti, a resident of the Jenin refugee camp, was arrested on March 31, 2002 during the IDF operations in Ramallah, two months before he turned 18. During questioning by the ISA, he confessed that he had been recruited to the Islamic Jihad in Jenin, and that he had agreed to carry out a suicide attack on their behalf. In December 2001 terrorists from Jenin, with connections in Ramallah, proposed that he perpetrate a suicide attack. Subsequently, he left Jenin for Ramallah in January 2002. During his stay in Ramallah he met Abd El Karim Aweis, a senior and wanted Fatah operative who turned himself in to IDF forces during Operation Defensive Shield. Aweis then proposed that he carry out the attack and Ghassan agreed. Ghassan was then videotaped reciting his last will and testament and taking responsibility for the attack on behalf of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad.
Ghassan left in order to perpetrate the suicide attack in Tel-Aviv. On his way he noticed combat helicopters, was afraid that they were following him and postponed the attack. A few days later he attempted to travel to Tel-Aviv in order to carry out the attack, however the road was blocked and he returned to Ramallah. The third time he attempted to perpetrate the attack, he was stopped by the Palestinian General Intelligence. He was arrested by Israeli security forces during Operation Defensive Shield.
The Use of Children's Props in order to Perpetrate Terrorist Attacks
During the course of questioning by the ISA, and from findings discovered during operations by Israeli security forces, it was revealed that various terrorist organizations are using children's toys and props, such as backpacks and toys, in order to camouflage explosive charges. Although these props appear innocent and are not usually considered suspicious, they contain explosive materials designed to injure Israeli civilians and soldiers. For example, during IDF operations in Qalqilya on April 26, 2002 three explosives laboratories were exposed, containing explosive charges, explosive materials, grenades and weapons. A child's backpack was found in one of the laboratories, containing explosive devices ready for use. 
A school backpack containing explosive devices ready for use
Camouflaging Terrorist Activity near Schools and Kindergartens
During questioning by the ISA, senior operatives from various terrorist organizations stated that they often established explosives laboratories near schools and kindergartens in order to camouflage their activity, thus placing the Palestinian children at risk. Slaim Haga, a senior Hamas operative in Samaria who was arrested during Operation Defensive Shield, confessed during questioning that he had established an explosives laboratory near a school and that terrorists had disguised themselves as students by carrying backpacks and school books. The lab equipment included test tubes, glass vessels, gas masks and raw material used to manufacture explosive devices. The location of the laboratory near the school exposed the children to many dangers such as explosions, work-related accidents while manufacturing explosive materials, and exposure to dangerous toxins and materials. In addition, the terrorists exploited the innocent appearance of children entering and leaving school in order to camouflage their activities.
In addition, Ahmed Moughrabi, a Tanzim operative from Bethlehem who was arrested on May 27, 2002, confessed during questioning by the ISA that he had situated an explosives laboratory within the Deheisha refugee camp, near a kindergarten. Ahmed and other activists would conduct experiments and manufacture explosive materials in the laboratory.
Palestinian Summer Camps 
Palestinian youths participating in a summer camp in
Kfar Salem, near Nablus, using fake rifles in order to attack
a model of a settlement at the camp's graduation ceremony.
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