Raed abu al-homs:oms, head of the Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs, stated today that 4,769 young Palestinian men and women, aged between 18 and 40, are currently held in Israeli prisons.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Abu al-Homs, in a statement issued on Wednesday to mark International Youth Day, revealed that the detainees include 4,713 young male and 56 young female individuals. He highlighted that 41 of the 91 Palestinian prisoners who have died in Israeli custody since October 7, 2023, were from this age group, with the bodies of 40 still being withheld by Israeli authorities. Furthermore, numerous bodies from other age groups are also retained.
Abu al-Homs emphasized that Palestinian youth should have the opportunity to celebrate International Youth Day like their peers worldwide, envisioning a future free from the dangers posed by the Israeli occupation. He stressed that international norms and conventions guarantee the rights to life, freedom, work, and movement, which must be upheld for Palestinian youth.
Describing Palestinian youth as integral to the Palestinian people's struggle, Abu al-Homs asserted their ongoing efforts to overcome occupation, injustice, and oppression, with the aim of achieving freedom and independence. He urged the international community, particularly organizations focused on youth issues, to denounce the targeting of Palestinian youth and to advocate for their right to a life free from the obstacles and threats of occupation.
International Youth Day, observed annually on August 12, was designated by the United Nations to spotlight youth issues and their role in societal and national development.