Firearm-Related Unintentional Childhood Injury in Israel

• Published in: Journal of community health 2024-10
• Main Authors: Calif, Elad, Godler, Yigal, Godler-Prat, Sofia, Agam, Aviad
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0094-5145; 1573-3610; 1573-3610
• DOI: 10.1007/s10900-024-01413-x

The rise in demand for firearm licenses in Israel due to the ongoing 2023-2024 Israel-Gaza War, coupled with the easing of regulations for issuing weapons, is expected to lead to a significant increase in the incidence of firearms among civilians. This situation calls for a special awareness of civilian populations of the dangers posed to children by the high prevalence of firearms. We therefore present trends in firearm-related incidents resulting in unintentional mortality and morbidity of children ages 0-17 between the years 2008-2023 in Israel. In total, 202 accidents involving firearms were reported, with an average age of 12.2 (median: 13), and with the youngest child being 2 years old. Of these, 24 cases resulted in fatalities18 of which of children of Arab descent. We provide several recommendations concerning changes and additions to current bylaws concerning firearms licensing and storage in Israel, in order to decrease the risk of child injury due to irresponsible firearm handling.