In light of the serious spread of coronavirus disease in Israel and in concern for the lives of some 5000 Palestinians currently incarcerated in Israeli jails, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates today demanded the immediate release of the prisoners from the Israeli jails and the provision of proper health protection to them.
The ministry warned in a press release of the medical negligence policy practiced by the Israel Prisons Service (IPS) against prisoners, especially in light of the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, stressing that it is in violation of its obligations under international law, the Geneva Conventions and human rights principles that demand from Israel, as the occupying power, to be fully and directly responsible for the life and health of the prisoners.
It said that it will continue to follow up on the health conditions of the prisoners in light of the outbreak of this pandemic with the relevant international parties, especially the International Committee of the Red Cross, through its mission in Geneva.
The ministry called on the international community to exert all pressure on the occupying power to immediately release the prisoners in order to protect their lives and health.
