Condemning the Tragic Killing of the 27th Palestinian Child this Year

Justice For All vehemently condemns the senseless killing of Mohammed al-Tamimi, a 2.5-year-old toddler who tragically became the 27th Palestinian child to lose their life in the first five months of 2023. Shot in the head by Israeli forces, Mohammed’s young life was abruptly cut short, leaving his family and community devastated.

According to Defense for Children International-Palestine (DCIP), this tragedy is part of a larger pattern of violence targeting Palestinian children. Over the past twenty years, more than 2,200 Palestinian children have been killed by the Israeli occupying forces and settlers in the occupied Palestinian territory. These alarming numbers highlight a deeply concerning trend of violence against innocent children.

It is with an unwavering commitment to justice and human rights that we unequivocally condemn the constant killing of Palestinian children, including toddlers and infants, through the use of live ammunition by Israeli soldiers. This flagrant violation of fundamental human rights and humanitarian principles must be addressed with urgency. It is essential to highlight that such actions by Israeli forces constitute a violation of international law, including the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the Fourth Geneva Convention.

International law clearly stipulates that lethal force should only be utilized as a last resort, in situations where there is an imminent threat to life. The repeated incidents of children being targeted signal an intentional injustice to the most vulnerable segment of society – children.

At Justice For All, we firmly believe that every child, regardless of their nationality or place of residence, has an inherent right to life and security, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

To address these grave injustices and advocate for the rights of Palestinians, we urgently call upon the U.S. Congress to initiate a thorough investigation into the tragic deaths of these innocent children. It is imperative that those responsible for these killings be held accountable for their actions, ensuring that justice is served.

Furthermore, we strongly urge the U.S. Congress to prioritize and support the passage of bill H.R. 3103, which proposes to ban military assistance and ensure that U.S. aid to Israel is not used to perpetuate the occupation or detain Palestinian children within the Israeli military detention system. This legislation is vital in introducing an accountability clause that holds all parties involved responsible for their actions.

We firmly believe that by supporting H.R. 3103, Congress can take a significant step towards addressing the disparities faced by Palestinians and promoting a more equitable and just future. This bill not only seeks to address the humanitarian concerns and human rights violations experienced by Palestinians but also aims to foster an environment conducive to dialogue, understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

It is imperative that the U.S. Congress acknowledges the power it holds to influence positive change in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. By passing this bill and implementing robust mechanisms for accountability, we can ensure that U.S. assistance is not misused to perpetuate the suffering of Palestinian children or contribute to the continuation of the occupation.

Justice For All remains resolute in our commitment to advocating for justice, human rights, and an end to the cycle of violence. We call upon Congress to take a principled stand and support bill H.R. 3103, demonstrating a commitment to upholding international law, human rights, and the well-being of all children in the region.