[cksharks]

Yep as young as eight.

[BlackVeil]

As you say "as young as eight." This was seen in Vietnam, and other conflicts as well. While lacking maturity and independent judgement (not much asset for a solider anyway) they are often quite focussed and very capable of uncomplicated tasks. Whether or not this particular incident on the West Bank turns out true, I find nothing at all unlikely in the idea. I expect to see more of it. All these young men between the ages of 16-25 are being taken away to internment camps. Every one of them has several younger brothers. In Third World countries, no one sees anything shocking in a 12 year old doing a man's work, if he is physically able. In emergencies, an even younger one might step forward. Afghanistan is even more full of such men-children.