In a lawsuit against the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the family of Raz Ben Ami, a 57-year-old German-Israeli, alleges that the organization failed to assist them during a critical health crisis. Raz Ben Ami, along with her husband Ohad Ben Ami, was held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza after being kidnapped from Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7. Raz Ben Ami was released on November 29, while her husband remains captive.
During their captivity, Raz Ben Ami, who is battling brain tumors, urgently required medication. Despite repeated requests to the ICRC for aid in transferring this vital medication, the family claims their pleas were met with indifference. The lawsuit details their attempts to reach out to ICRC representatives in Israel, Germany, and the United States, only to receive generic responses expressing hopes for a reunion with their loved ones.
šØ BREAKING: Red Cross sued by released Israeli hostage
ā Eitan Fischberger (@EFischberger) December 21, 2023
Raz Ben Ami was abducted by Hamas on 10/7 and held for 57 days in abysmal conditions with deteriorating health due to a brain tumor. The @ICRC rejected her family's pleas to get Raz her medication.pic.twitter.com/h8RQj3Jfh8 pic.twitter.com/u8fhdQuVSy
Shurat HaDin, an Israeli civil rights group, is representing the Ben Amis in this lawsuit filed in the Jerusalem District Court. The lawsuit accuses the ICRC of shirking its duties and responsibilities towards hostages held by Hamas, particularly in the provision of necessary medical supplies.
Nitsana Darshan-Leitner, the founder and President of Shurat HaDin, criticized the ICRC's actions, drawing a parallel to the organization's historical role during the Holocaust. She highlighted the perceived bias of the ICRC, noting its operations in Gaza and its vocal criticism of Israel, while seemingly disregarding the plight of Jewish hostages.
Raz Ben Ami and her husband Ohad Ben Ami were kidnapped from their home in Kibbutz Beeri. Raz was released on November 29. Ohad remains in Gaza as a hostage. They need financial help. Anyone who wants to help them directly message me.
ā Ronn Torossian (@RTorossian5wpr) December 20, 2023
https://t.co/CWHcltcXur pic.twitter.com/Kx2FsPl8HO
The lawsuit emphasizes the ICRC's obligation to act in situations involving hostages, stating that the organization delayed its intervention, failed to respect the hostages' families, neglected to deliver essential medication, and did not assertively pursue opportunities to visit the hostages as agreed upon in the release deal between Israel and Hamas.
In the broader context of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Shurat HaDin has been at the forefront of challenging the ICRC's passive approach, particularly regarding the over 240 Israelis kidnapped on October 7. This effort included a globally publicized letter, signed by over 1,500 lawyers, demanding action on behalf of the Israeli hostages.
