Explosive accusations on CNN:

A CNN investigative report aired Thursday slammed the treatment of Palestinian children by IDF soldiers.

The report included uncorroborated charges of sexual abuse against Palestinian youngsters while in IDF custody.

The CNN report featured an unidentified Palestinian boy claiming that IDF forces attempted to insert an object into his rectum after he was arrested. The unidentified youngster said a dozen officers were standing around and laughing while he was being interrogated, stopping only when their commander stepped into the room.

The IDF could not offer a response to the charge because the youngster's name was not provided. The army did say that a complaint should be filed if such cases ever happened.

"Any claim regarding improper conduct by soldiers or police officers will be thoroughly examined by the relevant officials," the army said. "We cannot address general claims on the subject in the absence of a specific complaint."

According to human rights group Defense of Children International, cited in the CNN report, five Palestinian children said they were sexually abused by the Israeli army. No evidence or further information was provided.

'Palestinian children exploited'

According to the report, which did not seem to include any hard evidence of IDF wrongdoing, Palestinian youngsters detained over such offences as stone-throwing are being held in contravention of the law. It cited charges that some boys underwent torture at the hand of Israeli forces.

"The detention of minors is being undertaken in line with international law," the IDF said in response to the claims. The army further added that children under the age of 12 are not held accountable for their actions, and are released immediately after their age can be verified.

The IDF's Avital Leibovich also dismissed the report in an interview with CNN, adding that the real tragedy in her view was the exploitation of Palestinian children, who are sent to confront Israeli troops.