MKs Call for Ban on Red Cross Visits to Israeli Prisons
Members of the Knesset (MKs) are advocating for a ban on visits by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, citing security concerns and the organization’s perceived inaction regarding hostages held by Hamas. During a Knesset National Security Committee meeting on October 7, 2023, representatives from the Israel Prison Service (IPS) expressed that allowing such visits could jeopardize state security.
The ICRC has not conducted visits to Palestinian prisoners since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, which escalated following the October 7 massacre. A ruling from Israel’s High Court in August 2024 mandated that the state justify its refusal to allow the Red Cross access to these prisoners. MKs argued that the failure of the Red Cross to provide aid to hostages warrants a suspension of visits to Palestinian inmates.
Committee chair MK Zvika Fogel of the Otzma Yehudit party stated, “No effort” was being made by the Red Cross on behalf of the hostages. He emphasized the importance of reciprocity, stating, “I will do everything to ensure the Red Cross visits our hostages, and until that happens, I will stand at the prison gates and prevent their visits.”
Other committee members echoed Fogel’s sentiments. MK Limor Son Har-Melech, also from Otzma Yehudit, labeled the Red Cross as “an antisemitic organization,” arguing that it unfairly equates Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners, whom she referred to as “terrorists who raped, murdered, and committed horrific crimes.”
In contrast, MK Aida Touma-Sliman of Hadash-Tal advocated for allowing Red Cross visits, highlighting the necessity for oversight within prisons. She noted that the High Court ruling on prisoner conditions was not coincidental, referring to a recent decision that criticized the IPS for failing to provide adequate nourishment to security prisoners.
Touma-Sliman remarked, “To blame the Red Cross for not visiting hostages is far-fetched and absurd. Both sides are telling them: You will not visit until the other side allows it.”
A representative from the IPS’s counter-terror division raised concerns about potential security risks associated with Red Cross visits, stating, “We have information that such visits could harm prison security and possibly state security.” The IPS’s legal advisor reiterated that the organization has maintained its stance against Red Cross access based on professional assessments that indicate threats to prison safety.
MK Ariel Kallner from Likud reinforced the concerns regarding security, mentioning past incidents where the Red Cross allegedly compromised state security by misusing its access to convey information. He deemed the request for visits as “a delusional request that is unfair, unjustified, and unacceptable.”
The meeting also included testimonies from bereaved families of hostages. Hanna Cohen, aunt of slain hostage Inbar Haiman, whose remains are believed to still be held by Hamas, expressed her anguish, stating, “Our daughter was kidnapped by those who sit in prison and are now requesting Red Cross visits.” She added, “In a normal country, they should have been executed.”
At the conclusion of the discussion, Fogel stressed the need for a firm stance from the Israeli government, stating, “The cabinet must decide: no Red Cross visits until information on our hostages is received.” This meeting underscores ongoing tensions surrounding prisoner rights, security concerns, and the broader implications of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
