The circumstances surrounding the deaths of these children range from children, who participated in protests against the Israeli occupation, children who were hit with live ammunition while playing in their backyard or walking to school and children who were denied prompt access to medical care. The notion that Arafat has sent Palestinian children to die is a clear attempt to avoid Israeli culpability for the deaths of Palestinian children, animosity or suspicion is directed towards the victim, thereby justifying or excusing the original violation the victim suffered. Palestinian children are not brought to the violence, the violence happens in their backyards. It is difficult, if not impossible, to ensure children's human rights when guns, tanks, missiles and helicopters are brought on to the occupied territories near their schools and homes. Children are not just getting caught in the crossfire, the numbers show that many have been targeted.
Nothing is spared, held sacred or protected.
It is the singular characteristic of armed conflicts that children suffer most. The indirect effects are devastating. Schools and clinics are closed or destroyed. Food supply lines have been broken. Homes are demolished.