Palestinian schoolboys are learning how to fire Kalashnikovs, throw grenades and plant improvised explosive devices as part of a programme run by Hamas's education ministry.
A Palestinian boy takes part in military training organized by the Hamas education ministry in Gaza City Photo: AP Photo/Adel\
The scheme has been criticised by Palestinian human rights groups, who point
out that Hamas has previously banned sport from the school curriculum on the
grounds that there is not enough time for it.
Hamas authorities introduced the 'Futuwwa', or youth programme into the state
curriculum last September for 37,000 Palestinian boys aged between 15 and
17, conceiving it as a scheme intended to initiate a new generation of
Palestinian men in the struggle against Israel.
Izzadine Mohamed, 17, was among the students who attended the weekly school
classes, which covered first aid, basic fire fighting skills and how to fire
a Kalashnikov rifle. He was also one of 5,000 boys across Gaza who also
signed up for an optional two-week camp held at a Hamas military base.
"I was excited to learn the right way to use a weapon," said Mr
Mohamed. "It's important because of the occupation. I feel stronger and
more confident with the knowledge, which I could use against the occupier."
At the two-week camp, the boys spent their time dressed in a military-style
uniform of black t-shirts and black jeans, and were trained by officers with
the Hamas National Guard and militants with Hamas' armed wing, the al-Qassam
Brigades.
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