Police launch campaign against child labor

Police took to the streets of Tulkarem on Tuesday to raise awareness about a campaign to stop child labor and begging, a statement said. Accompanied by a committee set up to fight child labor, police toured Tulkarem's markets and main streets. Sixteen children aged between 11-16 were taken to the police station for questioning, and their parents were called to explain that child labor is illegal. Police also visited internet cafes and billiard cafes to make sure they had the proper licenses, as well as to ensure they provide safe environments for children. Despite being illegal, it is common in the West Bank and Gaza Strip for children to work at market places or food businesses, usually to help out relatives but also for pay.