GENEVA, November 2, 2026 (WAFA) – Palestine’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi, met with President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger to discuss developments in the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian Territory.

The two addressed the issue of Palestinian detainees in Israeli jails, focusing on the occupation's continued denial of ICRC access to detainees and visits. They also discussed ways to strengthen civilian protection and ensure respect for international humanitarian law, in light of the ongoing genocidal war and the obstacles imposed by the occupation on humanitarian work in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

The discussion of Palestinian detainees came amid escalating repressive and criminal policies against them, including deprivation of food, medicine and basic necessities, as well as ill-treatment, torture, sexual violence and the spread of scabies.

Ambassador Khraishi referred to testimonies from detainees who have been subjected to torture and sexual violence. He stressed the importance of following up on this issue, securing the release of detainees and working to restore ICRC visits so that the Committee can examine their detention conditions, monitor their circumstances and humanitarian needs, and ensure that those responsible for war crimes are held accountable.

For her part, Spoljaric affirmed that the issue of Palestinian detainees remains a high priority for the ICRC, noting that daily contacts are ongoing to restore access to detainees and resume visits.

The two sides agreed to continue follow-up and coordination on the issues discussed, particularly the situation of Palestinian detainees, the protection of civilians, and humanitarian and medical needs, in a manner that supports humanitarian work and strengthens respect for international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian Territory.

T.R.