UNICEF urges Israel to reform detention policies
JERUSALEM (AP) - The U.N. children's agency is urging Israel to reform its policies of military detention for Palestinian minors, saying authorities often violate their rights.
A UNICEF report Wednesday says its conclusions are based on interviews with 400 minors arrested and jailed by Israel as well as in meetings with lawyers and Israeli officials.
Abuses include arrest of minors in nighttime raids, interrogations without lawyers while some were shackled, and threats of abuse.
An Israeli official from the military advocate's office says many minors are often manipulated by militant groups into carrying out deadly attacks on civilians. He says parents can be present throughout the legal process. He spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military protocol.
The foreign ministry said Israel is cooperating with UNICEF to apply its recommendations.