EU criticizes Israel’s bar on ICRC access to Palestinian prisoners
(MENAFN) The European Union has condemned Israel’s decision to bar the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting Palestinian detainees, calling it a violation of fundamental humanitarian principles.
EU Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness, and Crisis Management Hadja Lahbib said on social media platform X, “Denying our partner @ICRC_ilot access to Palestinian prisoners – who face dire conditions – violates humanitarian principles.” She reaffirmed the bloc’s support for humanitarian organizations working “independently, neutrally, and impartially.”
The criticism follows Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz’s Oct. 29 announcement banning ICRC visits to thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli facilities.
Reports from rights organizations indicate that many Palestinians previously released from Israeli custody have shown signs of torture, malnutrition, and other forms of mistreatment.
Over 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, are currently detained in Israel under conditions described by advocates as abusive and life-threatening.
The issue comes amid ongoing negotiations under the first phase of a cease-fire plan, which includes the exchange of Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, as well as proposals for Gaza’s reconstruction and new governance arrangements excluding Hamas.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed nearly 69,000 people—mostly women and children—and left more than 170,000 others injured, according to reports.
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