EU calls for full respect of international humanitarian law towards all prisoners

The European Union Representative, the EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah on Saturday issue in a statement said that the Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah are following with concern the ongoing hunger strike by Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, held in protest against the conditions of their detention.

The Heads of Mission reiterate the EU’s called for the full respect of international humanitarian law and human rights obligations towards all prisoners. The detention of Palestinians, who qualify as “protected persons” under Article 4 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, in prisons in Israel is in contravention of Article 76 of the Fourth Geneva Convention which prohibits the transfer of prisoners outside of occupied territory. As a consequence, family members’ access to their detained relative is impeded.

The Heads of Mission also reiterateed their long-standing concern about the extensive use by Israel of administrative detention without formal charge.

Around 500 Palestinians are currently being held in administrative detention. Detainees have the right to be informed about the charges underlying any detention, must be granted access to legal assistance, and be subject to a fair trial be given a fair trial within a reasonable time or be released.