Israeli Knesset Rejects Bill Banning Red Cross Visits to Palestinian Prisoners Amidst Intense Debates

According to the International Desk of Webangah News Agency, the Israeli Knesset has rejected a proposed law that would have prohibited the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting Palestinian prisoners. Reports from Israel’s Channel 1 indicate that heated clashes erupted within the Knesset during the session concerning the cancellation of this law.

The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the legal bill, which sought to ban ICRC visits to Palestinian detainees, failed to pass during the parliamentary session. The bill’s downfall was attributed to a boycott by Haredi parties, protesting against mandatory military conscription laws. Another Israeli publication, Israel Hayom, also confirmed that the Knesset had rejected the draft law banning Red Cross meetings with Palestinian prisoners.

During the initial review stage, the proposal garnered only 36 votes in favor versus 41 against, falling short of the required majority due to the boycott by Haredi parties. In response to the bill’s rejection, Palestinian lawyer Khaled Mahajna stated, “Moments ago, the bill to ban Red Cross visits to prisoners was rejected in the Knesset.”

Mahajna added that following the Supreme Court’s ruling and the Knesset’s rejection of the proposal, there is now no justification to prevent visits to the prisoners. He emphasized that the ICRC must immediately visit Israeli prisons and fulfill its duty towards prisoners who are subjected to severe crimes and human rights violations.