Between 2020-2023, there has been a significant increase in gun violence affecting children in Israel, particularly the Arab population. During this period, 174 minors were hospitalized with gunshot wounds, 91% of whom were Palestinians. 79% (137) of the injured minors were injured during incidents of crime and violence incidents. Twenty minors were shot dead during this period, 12 during crime and violence incidents.
The "Gun on the Kitchen Table" Coalition, of which the Association for Civil Rights is a member, approached the Committee for Children's Rights in the Knesset ahead of a discussion: "The Implications for Children in Arab Society of Illegal Weapons Possession." Coalition Coordinator Rela Mazali, Legal Advisor Maisa Irshid, and Policy and Legislation Advocate Attorney Debbie Gild-Hayo welcomed the important discussion but emphasized that it must primarily address the recent proliferation of licensed weapons in Israel and the permissive weapons licensing policy. This is due to the fact that a significant portion of the illegal weapons used in shootings originates from thefts from civilian and military sources who are authorized to own weapons.
The Coalition’s appeal states that: "There is a direct connection between the expanding proliferation of licensed weapons, mainly in Jewish society in Israel, and the growth in unauthorized weapons used for crime in Palestinian society in Israel. "Any attempt to identify the sources of risks from firearms threatening children in Palestinian society in Israel, and to formulate an intelligent preventive policy, must address both parts of the equation and map the risks starting from their foundation."
For the safety and security of children, particularly Palestinian children in Israel, the Coalition recommended reducing the number of weapons in Israeli civilian space, setting an end date for the National Security Minister's policy of mass armament, developing a public and organized plan to collect weapons, and returning to a more restrictive policy that prevents the proliferation and multiplication of firearms in the hands of the general public.
Coalition appeal, January 5, 2025