Supreme Court Allows ICRC Prison Visits for Palestinians

Israel’s Supreme Court has ruled that Israel must allow International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) access for visits to Palestinian prisoners. This decision overturns a ban imposed at the start of the Gaza war in October 2023.

The restriction on ICRC visits had limited independent verification of prisoner treatment, following reports of abuse, starvation, and denial of medical care. Patrick Griffiths, an ICRC spokesperson, stated their readiness to resume visiting detainees once the court’s decision is implemented.

The ruling was issued late Wednesday after a joint petition by several Israeli rights organizations, including the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI). The Israel Prison Service, Prime Minister’s office, and Israeli military have not yet commented on the decision.

The court found that the prohibition of ICRC visits had no legal basis under Israeli law or international humanitarian obligations. Israel had argued security concerns required the suspension of these visits until all hostages were returned following the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023.

According to Palestinian rights group Addameer, over 9,000 Palestinians remain in prison without charge since the attack, which killed around 1,200 people and took more than 250 hostage. The court’s decision also applies despite the last hostage being returned in 2026, with ACRI monitoring enforcement of the ruling on Red Cross visits.