JERUSALEM, November 20, 2014 (WAFA) – At least 600 Palestinian children were arrested in Jerusalem since last June, of whom nearly 40% were exposed to sexual abuse during arrest or investigation by the Israeli authorities, Thursday revealed a report by the Palestinian Prisoner’s Club (PPC).

The PCC said the daily arrest campaigns constitute a collective punishment against the Palestinian residents of Jerusalem.

Mufeed al-Haj, an attorney with the PCC, said that other violations were reported during the apprehension of children, including, but without limitation, night and predawn raids on family homes, physical abuse, and sexual abuse.

Al-Haj added that under applicable laws, minors undergoing investigation should be accompanied by their parents, yet the Israeli authorities paid no respect to these laws in many cases.

Forces often ignore laws and arrest Palestinians without having arrest warrants.

Since last June, Israel arrested hundreds of Palestinians in Jerusalem and the West Bank, most during predawn and night raids on their family houses.

M.N./T.R.