ICRC concerned about deteriorating health of three Palestinian detainees hospitalized in Israel
| Publisher | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) |
| Publication Date | 15 September 2016 |
| Cite as | International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), ICRC concerned about deteriorating health of three Palestinian detainees hospitalized in Israel, 15 September 2016, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/57e527ba4.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is concerned about the deteriorating health of three Palestinian detainees, who are hospitalized in Israel.
Mohammad Balbul, Mahmoud Balbul and Malek Qadi have been on hunger strike for more than 60 days.
"At this very critical time, we encourage the patients, their representatives and the competent authorities to find a solution that will avoid any loss of life or irreversible damage to their health", said Dr Hishal, the ICRC's doctor who has regularly visited the detainees on hunger strike.
ICRC delegates and medical staff continue to visit the detainees in order to monitor their health and their treatment by prison and medical authorities, as per international rules and ethical standards, specifically the Malta Declaration on hunger strikers (World Medical Association - 1991). The ICRC has been in close contact with their families, whom it has kept informed of developments, in accordance with their wishes, and transmitted personal news between them.
During their regular visits to detention facilities, ICRC staff seek to ensure that all detainees on hunger strike are fully aware of the implications of their decision, and that they are acting on their own initiative and of their own free will.
