The Red Cross announced a renewal of efforts to gain access to Israeli security prisons, according to N12. A technical meeting, assessment, and tour of a military detention facility were held today. The security establishment aims to begin the process as early as the coming week.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced today (Wednesday) that it is renewing efforts to gain access to Israeli security prisons, with a technical meeting, assessment, and tour of a military detention facility held earlier today. The security establishment aims to begin the process as early as the coming week, according to N12. The announcement follows Monday evening reports that visits could resume as early as today.
On Monday evening, The Zioneer first reported, based on N12, that the security establishment was preparing to allow ICRC visits to security prisoners for the first time since October 7, 2023. Later that evening, The Zioneer also reported that National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticized the move, arguing it harms deterrence. A subsequent update noted that the preparations follow a June High Court of Justice ruling, and that government efforts to delay implementation until after the elections had failed. Earlier, in June, a coalition bill to bar such visits failed in the Knesset, as The Zioneer reported.
ICRC visits to security prisoners have been suspended since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023. As The Zioneer has reported, the Israeli government maintains that its primary obligation remains the welfare and release of hostages held by terror factions in Gaza. The security establishment's renewed effort reflects both legal obligations and ongoing diplomatic considerations.
No official confirmation has been issued by the Israel Prison Service or the Defense Ministry. The exact timing for the resumption of visits remains unconfirmed, and the political opposition from Minister Ben Gvir may still affect implementation.
3 developments
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