The Red Cross issued a letter on Tuesday addressed to the Israeli Commissioner of the Prison Service and other officials within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked as "Confidential." This correspondence was prompted by recent decisions to alter the conditions of security prisoners detained in Israel. In a surprising twist, the Red Cross called for the "humane treatment" of those deprived of their freedom in Israeli prisons. However, the Israeli Commissioner responded firmly, stating that there would be no Red Cross visits under the current circumstances, particularly with 240 individuals abducted in Gaza who are not receiving assistance from the organization.
The Red Cross's letter urged Israel to uphold its commitment to providing complete access to all facilities holding security detainees, as mandated by the Geneva Convention. It emphasized that granting access to the Red Cross was not just a legal obligation but could also help alleviate growing tensions both inside and outside the prisons.
Listen to IDF International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Richard Hecht explain the current situation in Gaza.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 31, 2023
“We have hostages inside Gaza, we can’t forget that…Has the Red Cross met these people? Have they gone to see them?” pic.twitter.com/JyyqdMgbVG
The organization outlined its specific demands, including ensuring that those "whose freedom has been taken from him, receives humane treatment and is held in dignified conditions, free from any type of poor treatment, torture and anything that may harm his personal dignity"
Commissioner Kathy Perry responded to the Red Cross's demands with a stern stance. She made it clear that Israel would not relax the new rules and had reduced the prisoners' conditions to the minimum required by international and Israeli law. Perry also emphasized that there would be no Red Cross visits while Israel had 240 abductees and captives in Gaza.
In her rather assertive reply to the Red Cross, Commissioner Perry stated, "Due to the ongoing conflict, the suffering inflicted upon innocent civilians, and the extensive security measures demanded of the prison service at this time, coordinating the visits you have requested is impossible. I value and acknowledge the Red Cross's ability and influence in the international arena, particularly your consistent efforts to gain access and information regarding those in danger. I am confident that you will do everything within your power to establish direct contact with all citizens and soldiers kidnapped in Gaza, held in undisclosed locations, and to gather information and evidence regarding their well-being and health status. This is of utmost importance to the families who are currently enduring a harrowing ordeal."
Emma and Yuli are being held hostage by terrorists in Gaza. They’re 3 years old.
— Elad Simchayoff (@Elad_Si) October 25, 2023
28 more children are there, 220 people in total. The Red Cross is not allowed to see them.
Someone decided to do this to the poster showing their picture in Finchley rd. London.
There are no words. pic.twitter.com/jBuyACCmLH
In essence, Commissioner Perry made it clear that until Israel received information through the Red Cross regarding those kidnapped in Gaza, no visits to Israeli security prisons by the organization would take place.
