Geneva:Palestine's Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi, met with Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to discuss the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian Territory.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency – WAFA – English, the discussions focused on the conditions of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, particularly the continued denial of ICRC access to these detainees. The talks also explored ways to enhance civilian protection and uphold international humanitarian law in the face of challenges posed by the occupation, including impediments to humanitarian efforts in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The dialogue on detainees occurred in the context of worsening repressive and criminal policies against them, such as deprivation of essential needs, mistreatment, torture, sexual violence, and the spread of diseases like scabies. Ambassador Khraishi highlighted testimonies from detainees who reported experiences of torture and sexual violence, emphasizing the need for accountability and the restoration of ICRC visits to monitor detention conditions and humanitarian needs.
Spoljaric reaffirmed the ICRC's commitment to prioritizing the issue of Palestinian detainees, with ongoing efforts to regain access and resume visits. Both parties agreed to maintain coordination and follow-up on the discussed issues, aiming to support humanitarian work and reinforce respect for international humanitarian law in the region.