Israel's ban on Red Cross visits violates humanitarian principles, says EU commissioner

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) – The EU commissioner for equality, preparedness, and crisis management criticized Israel on Monday for denying the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access to Palestinian prisoners.

"Denying our partner @ICRC_ilot access to Palestinian prisoners – who face dire conditions – violates humanitarian principles," Hadja Lahbib said on US social media platform X.

She reiterated the EU's commitment to supporting humanitarian organizations operating "independently, neutrally, and impartially."

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz announced on Oct. 29 that visits to thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons had been banned.

Palestinian prisoners released earlier by the Israeli army showed signs of abuse, malnutrition, and severe injuries caused by torture during their detention.

More than 10,000 Palestinians, including women and children, remain imprisoned in Israel, where they endure torture, starvation, and medical neglect, conditions that have led to the deaths of numerous detainees, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations.

Phase one of the ceasefire deal includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Israel has killed nearly 69,000 people, mostly women and children, and injured over 170,000 others in attacks in Gaza since October 2023.