Israeli Defense Minister Katz Bans Red Cross Visits to Thousands of Palestinian Prisoners Citing Security Threat

Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz has issued an order banning the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting Palestinian prisoners held under the Law on the Imprisonment of Unlawful Combatants, citing serious security concerns. This decision follows a professional recommendation from Israel's General Security Service (Shin Bet) and is based on intelligence assessments that such visits could jeopardize state security. The order applies to thousands of detainees whose names are listed confidentially and continues a status quo since the 2023 Gaza conflict began, during which ICRC visits have been restricted. The move was contentious within the Israeli government, with Prime Minister Netanyahu reportedly supporting limited access, but Katz ultimately sided with more hardline security concerns. Israel also criticizes the ICRC for not adequately addressing the situation of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, questioning the organization's impartiality toward Israeli interests. This development underscores ongoing tensions over prisoner treatment and international humanitarian access amid the protracted Israeli-Palestinian conflict.