ICRC concerned about deteriorating health of three Palestinian detainees hospitalized in Israel

Jerusalem – 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.

For further information, please contact:
Jesus Serrano Redondo, ICRC Jerusalem, tel: +972 52 690 22 96
Suhair Zakkout, ICRC Gaza, tel: +972 599255381