RAMALLAH, July 19, 2026 (WAFA) – The diplomatic missions of Belgium, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom issued a joint statement expressing their concern over the widespread use of administrative detention, under which Palestinians are held without formal charges or trial.

The statement noted that more than 9,000 Palestinians are currently imprisoned in Israeli jails, including thousands of administrative detainees held without charge or trial. It called for limiting the use of this measure and ensuring respect for international standards of fair trial and due process.

The diplomatic missions emphasized that detention without charge or trial must remain an exceptional measure and must be carried out in accordance with the legal safeguards stipulated in international law, stressing the importance of respecting the rights of detainees.

Meanwhile, Palestinian prisoners' rights organizations continue to document the sharp increase in the use of administrative detention by the Israeli authorities. Under the policy, individuals may be detained on the basis of secret evidence without being formally charged or brought to trial.

Y.S