Israel's Supreme Court ruled on June 4, 2026, that the government must allow the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to resume visits to Palestinian detainees held in Israeli prisons, striking down a ban issued after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack [1, 2]. The court found the ban lacked a legal basis under Israeli and international law and ordered its repeal [2].
The ban had prevented independent verification of conditions faced by more than 9,000 Palestinians currently imprisoned by Israel, including over 3,000 held without charge following the 2023 conflict [1, 2]. Human rights groups—such as the Association for Civil Rights in Israel (ACRI) and others—filed a petition in February 2024 asking the High Court to lift the ban [2]. ACRI said, "For the first time in nearly three years, the over 9,000 Palestinian security prisoners being held in Israeli prisons and military detention centers will receive Red Cross visits" [2].
The Israeli state had justified the ban by citing security concerns until all Israeli hostages captured in the Hamas attack were returned [1, 2]. The attack in October 2023 left over 1,100 Israelis dead and more than 240 taken hostage, leading to heightened security measures including the ban on Red Cross access to detainees [1, 2].
The lack of Red Cross oversight raised concerns amid reports of abuse, starvation, and denial of medical care for Palestinian prisoners [1]. An ICRC spokesperson, Patrick Griffiths, said the organization stands ready to resume detainee visits. He said, "We take note of the decision of the court and stand ready to resume our work in visiting detainees in Israeli places of detention" [1].
Violence in Gaza since the 2023 attack has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and widespread destruction. Gaza’s Health Ministry estimates over 72,950 deaths in the territory [2].
The Supreme Court ruling marks a significant shift in access for international humanitarian monitors, with the ban formally lifted nearly three years after its implementation. The next steps will involve coordination between Israeli authorities and the ICRC to restart visits and monitor conditions inside detention centers.
