Toronto (February 12, 2020) – On the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, Hamas and other terrorist organizations continue to use children for combat and indoctrination purposes in their ongoing campaign of violence against Israel.

In Gaza, children are taught to wage violence against Israelis through military drills, parades and skills training exercises at both schools and summer camps. This includes training on the use of firearms, grenades and explosive devices.

Children’s television programs in Gaza openly promote violence against Jews and teach children to aspire to martyrdom – the belief that it is an “honour” to be killed while carrying out terrorist acts.

Hamas also continues to cancel schools during scheduled attacks on the Israeli border so that children can participate.

The use of children in armed conflict is a violation of the Geneva Convention and is considered a war crime.

FSWC calls on Canadian political leaders to stand up to Hamas and other terrorist organizations which share the goal of destroying Israel and send a clear message that teaching children to hate and commit acts of violence will not be tolerated by the international community.