Nearly Half of Palestinian Child Detainees Held Without Charge
A record number of Palestinian children remain in administrative detention without charge or trial. As of September 30, 2025, 350 Palestinian children are held in Israeli prisons, according to data from the Israel Prison Service (IPS).
Administrative Detention Statistics
Out of the total detained, 168 children, or 48%, are held under administrative detention—meaning they have no formal charges or trials. This marks both the highest number and largest proportion recorded since Defense for Children International - Palestine (DCIP) began tracking the figures in 2008.
Delayed Reporting and Official Comments
The IPS, which usually releases detainee data quarterly, was over a month late in publishing the figures for the third quarter of 2025.
“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.”
Facilities Involved
The data covers prisons managed by the IPS, including Megiddo and Ofer, where these children are detained and imprisoned.
Summary
This situation reflects a disturbing trend of detaining Palestinian children without due process, highlighting systemic issues undermining legal and human rights standards.