EU commissioner criticizes Israel for blocking Red Cross prison visits

European Union Commissioner Hadja Lahbib has publicly criticized Israel for prohibiting International Committee of the Red Cross visits to Palestinian prisoners, declaring that the restriction violates fundamental humanitarian principles. The EU commissioner for equality, preparedness, and crisis management issued the statement via social media platform X, emphasizing the dire conditions facing Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody.

Humanitarian Access Concerns

Lahbib reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to supporting humanitarian organizations that operate "independently, neutrally, and impartially" in conflict zones. The commissioner's comments reference Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz's October 29 announcement banning visits to thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli detention facilities, a move that has drawn international concern from human rights advocates.

Prisoner Conditions and Documentation

Reports from Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations indicate that more than 10,000 Palestinians remain imprisoned in Israel, including women and children who allegedly endure torture, starvation, and medical neglect. Previously released Palestinian prisoners have exhibited visible signs of abuse, malnutrition, and injuries consistent with torture during their detention, with documentation suggesting these conditions have contributed to multiple detainee deaths.

Broader Conflict Context

The prisoner access dispute occurs within the framework of a ceasefire agreement that includes prisoner exchanges between Israel and Hamas. The first phase involves the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, alongside plans for Gaza's reconstruction and new governance mechanisms. These developments unfold against the backdrop of a conflict that has resulted in approximately 69,000 fatalities in Gaza since hostilities escalated in October 2023.