Toys Help Palestinian Kids Prepare for Life of War.

Rami’s father, a taxi driver, said he was worried about his son’s “militant attitude,” but had failed to change his taste in toys.

“He was not like that (before),” he said. “But it seems that the curfews, incursions and checkpoints have changed the minds of our kids a lot.”

Children, some dressed in military costumes, roam Jenin’s alleys — where damage from Israeli raids is plainly visible — with plastic M-16 rifles slung over their shoulders.

Others lie on their stomachs and aim guns at playmates, mimicking Israeli troops searching for Palestinian militants.

“You cannot imagine how happy I am when I carry this,” said eight-year-old Hosam, toting a plastic rifle. His classmate Bassam was killed by Israeli troops in 2002.

“Maybe when I get older, I will take revenge for him,” Hosam said.

What this article does not tell you is that these so-called “toy weapons” are often realistic enough in size, shape, and color to be indistinguishable from genuine weapons, with none of the usual safety features like orange caps on barrels.

And it also doesn’t mention that you can often find Palestinian children sporting real assault rifles.