Palestinian minors who were detained by Israeli forces last year have claimed that they were subjected to mistreatment, including sexual abuse, in detention.

The children have filed complaints with the Defense for Children International (DCI), Ha’aretz reported Friday.

The rights body said four children had reported sexual abuse and 12 claimed they had been threatened with abuse.

Last week, the DCI sent 14 reports of the misconduct to the UN.

An Israeli Defense Forces spokesman dismissed "claims of deliberate deviation from procedures for arresting and interrogating minors."

"Minors’ arrests are carried out in keeping with international law," the spokesman was quoted as saying by the daily.

Around 7,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently held in Israeli detention facilities, reportedly suffering from life-threatening conditions.

According to Ha’aretz, Israeli authorities arrest some 700 Palestinian minors aged 12 to 18 each year.

In January, Amnesty International, the human rights group, voiced concern over the rising number the young detainees, reporting that children face routine beatings, torture and strip searches.

(Press TV)