Social media activists urged children’s rights advocate to stand up for detained Palestinian teen

AMMAN — Social media users on Thursday called for the release of 16-year old Palestinian girl Ahed Tamimi who was arrested by the Israeli occupation forces.

Voicing solidarity with the Palestinian teen, they called on children rights agencies to take an action to ensure the release of the girl, who was arrested at dawn Tuesday after Israeli occupation forced their way into Tamimi's house Tuesday at dawn.

In a tweet tagging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, HRH Prince Ali said: "Is this what really scares Israel? A young 16 year old girl, who has the courage to stand up for her rights as a child in the face of an illegal occupation that is breaking all norms of international law?"

"Free her," the prince (@AliBinAlHussein) said.

Lawmaker Kais Khalil Zayadin said Ahed was a source of honour and pride for the Arab nation.

"You are the resistance," said Zayadin in a post on his Facebook page, commending Ahed's courage, stubbornness and strength.

According to media reports, Tamimi was arrested for slapping a soldier during a demonstration the day before. The demonstration was organised to protest Israel’s use of force during a protest on Friday, when Ahed’s 14-year-old cousin Mohammed was shot in the face by an Israeli soldier, leaving him in critical condition. 

"Freedom for Ahed Al Tamimi," Ali Ahmaz (@Ahmaz91Ali) tweeted Thursday.

“This is the true face of the Zionist enemy. Weak and fragile and scared of a little girl that rebelled against them so they arrested her,” he tweeted.

Several tweets including Falha Rayan called on child rights groups to work for securing her release.

“Where are the actions taken by UN child agencies that defend the rights of children?” Rayan (@FalhaRayanRayane) tweeted Thursday.

Several social media users commended Ahed’s courage.

“Had we had 1 per cent of Ahed Tamimi’s courage, Palestine would have been liberated overnight,” Suzan Youssef (@SuzanYoussef2) tweeted Thursday.

Social media from various countries showed solidarity with Tamimi.

“We Are All Ahed Tamimi — Free Ahed, a 16 year old Palestinian girl arrested in the dead of night by Israel’s Armed Thugs,” Tony Greenstein‏ (@TonyGreenstein) tweeted.