Frequently asked questions on ICRC and Palestinian detainees

We have been actively engaging with the relevant authorities in our usual bilateral and confidential dialogue and have publicly called to be notified of and allowed to visit Palestinians in Israeli detention. We have also repeatedly called for detainees to be treated humanely and permitted to communicate with their relatives. 

We regularly engage with released detainees, through individual interviews – to understand their treatment and conditions of detention, informing the ICRC’s engagement with relevant authorities. 

During any transfer – as part of a ceasefire agreement or when unilaterally conducted by Israeli authorities – the ICRC provides basic assistance items to those released into Gaza, including so they can contact their families. 

During operations linked to ceasefire agreements, the ICRC acts as a neutral intermediary between parties to facilitate safe transfer, providing logistical support, medical care, and working to facilitate the reunification of released detainees with their families. ICRC staff are present throughout the operation, including medical experts and detention specialists. Staff interview detainees prior to their transfer to assess health and readiness for travel.

During unilateral releases, ICRC staff meet those being released at the border of Gaza and transfer them to the receiving facility where many families wait. There are Ministry of Health medical staff at this facility to provide any needed medical assessment, and further ICRC staff on-hand to hand out assistance items, and support with contacting families or travel to where their families are. 

No, the ICRC does not participate in political negotiations or determine the lists of persons to be released. Our role is strictly humanitarian, facilitating the implementation of agreements concluded by the parties and safeguarding the rights and well-being of those being released.

The process is coordinated between all parties and the role of the ICRC begins after a formal agreement has been reached. The ICRC works to ensure transfers are conducted safely, respecting the dignity and privacy of all released persons. Specialized staff assess health, offer support, and, to the extent possible, coordinate with families prior to and during the transfer.

Transfer operations are highly complex, requiring close coordination, meticulous logistical planning, and security arrangements. The pressure for timely implementation is immense, and unexpected challenges or last-minute changes can arise. The ICRC works to provide maximum support and to ensure the dignity of all those involved throughout the process.

Since October 2023, the ICRC has facilitated the release of over 3,400 Palestinian detainees under ceasefire agreement operations. 

In unilateral releases, the ICRC has facilitated the transfer of over 2,200 Palestinian detainees within Gaza. 

In all cases of returning detainees, the ICRC works to ensure that families are reconnected whenever feasible.