Key facts
- Israel has expanded a ban on Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners.
- New regulations prevent visits to 'highly violent' detainees, those in solitary confinement, or under interrogation.
- Visits are limited to 30 minutes and can be shortened by prison commanders.
- The Israel Prison Service limits the Red Cross to one visit per quarter.
- These actions defy a High Court ruling ordering the resumption of visits.
Israel has expanded a ban on Red Cross access to Palestinian prisoners, significantly limiting the humanitarian group's ability to visit detainees. The new regulations, imposed by Israel Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, prevent visits to categories of Palestinians classified as "highly violent," as well as those held in solitary confinement or under interrogation. Visits are also capped at 30 minutes and can be shortened at the discretion of prison commanders.
These measures defy a High Court of Justice ruling from last month, which had ordered the state to resume Red Cross visits after an initial ban was put in place following the October 7 attacks in 2023. The Israel Prison Service (IPS) stated that the agency operates in accordance with the law and that any allegations should be addressed through appropriate channels. The new rules also limit the Red Cross to one visit per quarter and require advance submission of a list of no more than five captives they wish to see.
Earlier, a bill aimed at banning Red Cross visits to Palestinians held by Israel was defeated in the Israeli parliament. The bill failed to pass after ultra-Orthodox coalition parties boycotted the vote due to unrelated political disputes, withholding their support.