Palestinian Children and Israeli Military Detention

Part of the debate – in Westminster Hall at 3:22 pm on 7 February 2018.

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Photo of Matthew Offord Matthew Offord Conservative, Hendon 3:22, 7 February 2018

It is important to provide some context to the issue. Many things have been raised this afternoon, but I shall concentrate on just one. Sarah Champion raised the case of 17-year-old Ahed Tamimi. We all know what has happened to her now that she has been imprisoned, but I wonder whether hon. Members know what she said on Facebook straight after slapping an Israeli soldier. Out of earshot of the soldier, Ahed turned to the camera and said in Arabic:

“I wish that everybody all over the world would unite, so we can liberate Palestine...Be it stabbings, martyrdom-seeking operations, throwing stones, everyone must do his part and we must unite in order for our message to be heard that we want to liberate Palestine”.

I know what “martyrdom-seeking operations” means, and I am sure many other hon. Members do; that is why she was charged with inciting violence on social media.