(IsraelNN.com) The two Golani soldiers recently were manning a check post near Gush Katif when a 10-year-old boy suddenly ran towards them. Despite fears that the child was carrying explosives, the soldiers did not fire.

"The child fell into the arms of one of the soldiers," said the troops’ officer. "He hugged him to make sure he was not carrying a bomb. The child apparently received a few shekels to run towards the soldiers and provoke them into shooting."

The officer awarded the soldiers a special certificate for keeping an "even head" under pressure.

Arab terrorists have sent dozens of children on life-endangering missions, including suicide bombings, and often use children to smuggle explosives and ammunition. Army officials explain that Palestinian Authority incitement in the school system and on television is one of the prime reasons for the increase in the use of children as terrorists.

A senior officer serving near Gush Katif said, "We have pictures of dozens of episodes where children fire rockets. In other instances, we have seen them used as live shields for terrorists."

Prime Minister Ariel Sharon has said recently that the PA must put a stop to incitement before Israel will renew negotiations. However, Sharon told outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell that Israel already plans to renew defense arrangements with the PA ahead of its upcoming elections.

Israeli defense sources report that that the PA ignores the involvement of children in provocations and arms smuggling and is not making efforts to stop incitement.