On Oct. 18, a dozen Israeli soldiers arrested 16-year-old Shadi Khouri, a student at the Ramallah Friends School in Palestine. No reason was given for his detention, and during the arrest, the soldiers beat and bloodied Shadi, according to journalist Fatima Abdul Karim. He was interrogated without the presence of his parents or a lawyer.

What is happening to Shadi is terrifying and—devastatingly—not unique. This violation is just one example of the systematic abuse felt by Palestinian children living under occupation.  

U.S. foreign assistance should not be used in ways that are inconsistent with the values of the American people. American tax dollars should advance human rights, human security, and human dignity.

The Defending the Human Rights of Palestinian Children and Families Living Under Israeli Military Occupation Act (H.R. 2590), introduced by Rep. Betty McCollum (MN- 04), would prohibit the use of U.S. funds to support the military detention of children, the demolition of Palestinian homes, and further annexation of Palestinian territory. These practices violate Palestinians’ safety, dignity, and human rights and are inconsistent with international law and longstanding American policy.