UNICEF to Asharq Al-Awsat: Children Belong in Schools, Not Battle Fronts

UNICEF voiced its concern over the recruitment of children for battles in Yemen. (Reuters)
UNICEF voiced its concern over the recruitment of children for battles in Yemen. (Reuters)
TT
20

UNICEF to Asharq Al-Awsat: Children Belong in Schools, Not Battle Fronts

UNICEF voiced its concern over the recruitment of children for battles in Yemen. (Reuters)
UNICEF voiced its concern over the recruitment of children for battles in Yemen. (Reuters)

UNICEF announced on Saturday that children belong in schools and not on the battle front.

Juliette Touma, head of the organization’s regional office, expressed to Asharq Al-Awsat her great concern over the recruitment of child soldiers in Yemen.

She made her statement in wake of Yemen coup government minister Hassan Zeid’s demand that schools be halted and that children and teachers be recruited for the battles in their country.

He said on his Facebook page that the additional fighters will help sway the battle in their favor.

Touma voiced her concern with the growing number of child fighters in Yemen, saying that she is not responding to any statement in particular.

Yemeni rights researcher Barra Shiban told Asharq Al-Awsat: “Hassan Zeid represents the epitome of those who view the Yemeni people as a source of fighters and defenders of the Houthis’ alleged right to rule.”

“They do not seek a national state, but one affiliated to Iran’s Wilayet al-Faqih,” he added.



‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
TT
20

‘No One Dares’ … First Palestinian Response to Israeli Plan to Separate Hebron from PA

Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)
Israeli security forces stand guard as Israeli settlers tour in the Palestinian side of the old city and market of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on July 5, 2025. (Photo by HAZEM BADER / AFP)

A report published by The Wall Street Journal, and promoted by Israeli media on Sunday, has renewed focus on an Israeli plan dating back more than 60 years aimed at pushing for the creation of “emirates” or entities independent from the Palestinian Authority (PA).

The report focused on the Palestinian city of Hebron, and cited what it claimed were “21 tribal elders from Hebron,” who allegedly sent a letter in Hebrew to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling for negotiations with them to join the Abraham Accords and consequently abandon the “two-state solution,” which Palestinians rely on to establish their state.

However, a Palestinian security source, in remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, said: “What is happening is yet another Israeli attempt to weaken the Palestinian Authority.”

“This is a failed plan,” he said: “No one here would dare take this step and say: I am the spy... I am the alternative to the Authority ... Those who tried that are known and represent no one.”

Reportedly, the elders included a detailed proposed timetable for talks to join the Abraham Accords and for “a fair and decent arrangement that would replace the Oslo Accords, which only brought damage, death, economic disaster and destruction.”

According to The Wall Street Journal, the initiative was helmed by Wadee al-Jaabari, who local city residents and its political leadership claim is unknown to them, and backed by "four other leading Hebron sheikhs.”

Palestinian city residents, including Jaabari's extended family members, condemned the proposal, saying that its authors do not represent them.

Israeli sources said that Economy Minister Nir Barkat stands behind the letter, which was allegedly sent to him. Barkat met at his home with al-Jaabari and the other sheikhs; he has held more than 12 meetings with them since February, The Wall Street Journal said. They asked him to forward the letter to Netanyahu and are now waiting for his response.

The sheikhs reportedly proposed that Israel grant work permits to 1,000 workers from Hebron on a trial basis, and then extend this to another 5,000.

According to Maariv newspaper, the Israeli government is “seeking to promote this plan to destroy the Palestinian Authority and the establishment of a Palestinian state.”