UN envoy: Hamas enlists kids in Gaza

Ron Prosor uses UN 'Children in armed conflict' debate to recall Fogel murder, school bus attack

Yitzhak Benhorin|Published: 07.13.11 , 00:06

WASHINGTON – Israel's UN ambassador, Ron Prosor, told the Security Council during a debate entitled "Children in armed conflict" that Hamas is using Palestinian children to carry out acts of terror against Israeli children.

Prosor mentioned the Fogel family murder, in which three children were killed in the settlement of Itamar.

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"Terrorists in the Middle East continue to focus their attacks on children," he said, describing the murder of the Fogel children – aged 11, 14, and three months – as they lay sleeping in their beds.

The ambassador also recalled the death of 16-year old Daniel Viflic, who was riding in a school bus when it sustained an anti-tank missile attack from Gaza.

He also mentioned that 290 rockets and mortar shells were fired towards Israel so far in 2011, aimed at civilians, including children. "We sustain two attacks a day (on average). This is the daily reality," he told the UN.

Hamas and other terror organizations are enlisting juveniles and using them to carry out attacks against Israeli soldiers and civilians, Prosor said, adding that these children are used as shields, along with schools, hospitals, and residential neighborhoods in Gaza.

The ambassador also mentioned that the children are incited against Israel at schools and mosques, and encouraged to hate Jews and Israeli children.

"For these children and for the future of our region, I call on the international community to end the culture of incitement," Prosor said. He added that education should promote peace and tolerance rather than hatred towards the other.

"The next generation deserves a better future, without violence, terror, or hatred," he said.