Nearly half of Palestinian child detainees have no charge

Nearly Half of Palestinian Child Detainees Held Without Charge

A record number of Palestinian children are currently held in administrative detention, without charge or trial, in Israeli prisons. As of September 30, 2025, there are 350 Palestinian children detained, according to the Israel Prison Service (IPS).

Of these, 168 children—or 48%—are held under administrative detention, marking both the highest number and proportion recorded since Defense for Children International - Palestine (DCIP) began tracking in 2008.

The IPS, which usually publishes detainee data quarterly, released the third-quarter 2025 figures over a month late.

“Nearly half of all Palestinian children who are detained by Israel are held without charge or trial,” said Ayed Abu Eqtaish, accountability program director at DCIP.

“It is clear that Israel’s practice of child detention has nothing to do with the rule of law, justice, or security. It is an arbitrary system designed to physically remove, suppress and stifle the development of Palestinian children, instilling a permanent sense of fear and insecurity.”

The IPS data covers prisons including Megiddo and Ofer, where these children are held.

Author’s summary: Nearly half of Palestinian children detained by Israel face administrative detention without charge, reflecting an arbitrary system impacting their development and rights.

Defense for Children Palestine — 2025-11-07

Nearly Half of Palestinian Child Detainees Held Without Charge

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