EU Missions Call on Israel to Respect Int'l Law Regarding Palestinian Prisoners
TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The European Union (EU) Representative in Jerusalem (al-Quds) and EU Heads of Mission in Jerusalem and Ramallah Saturday called on Israel to fully respect international law regarding Palestinian prisoners held in its jails.
They said in a statement that they were following “with concern” the ongoing hunger strike more than 1500 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails have started on April 17 to protest the conditions of their detention.
“The Heads of Mission reiterate the EU's call for the full respect of international humanitarian law and human rights obligations towards all prisoners,” said the statement, WAFA news agency reported.
“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 reiterated 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 within a reasonable time or be released,” said the statement.
