Jerusalem: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) announced that its team recently engaged with Israeli authorities and inspected a military detention facility as part of ongoing efforts to regain access to detainees in Israel.

According to Anadolu Agency, the ICRC released a statement revealing that the team conducted a technical meeting with the detaining authorities, carried out an assessment, and toured parts of the facility. However, the team did not meet or have direct contact with any detainees during this visit.

Julien Lerisson, ICRC's head of delegation for Israel and the occupied territories, described the meeting as a positive step towards reinstating comprehensive visits to detainees in Israeli detention centers. Lerisson emphasized the organization's commitment to continuing dialogue with relevant authorities to facilitate the resumption of these visits.

Since October 2023, the ICRC has faced challenges in accessing detainees in Israeli facilities. The organization reiterated the importance of being informed about the fate and location of all detainees and stressed the need for access in accordance with international humanitarian law. The ICRC underscored that detainees must be treated humanely, provided with adequate detention conditions, and allowed to communicate with their families.