Israeli occupation releases 16 Palestinian detainees from Gaza

QUDS, July 19 (YPA) – The Israeli occupation authorities released on Sunday 16 Palestinian detainees from the Gaza Strip on Sunday, with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) transporting them through the Karem Abu Salem crossing to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza.

In a statement, the ICRC said its teams received the released detainees at the Kerem Shalom crossing and transferred them directly to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital for medical examinations and follow-up care.

The organization stressed that its role is limited to facilitating the safe transfer of released detainees and helping them reunite with their families.

It added that it has remained barred from visiting Palestinian detainees held in the occupation detention facilities since October 2023.

The latest release is part of a series of recent detainee transfers from Gaza. The ICRC previously facilitated the transfer of 12 detainees on July 15, seven on July 13, and 14 others in late June.

According to ICRC figures, it has facilitated the transfer of more than 2,500 Palestinian detainees released from Gaza since late 2023 under a humanitarian coordination mechanism operating through the Kerem Shalom crossing.

Data from the Palestinian Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club indicate that the number of Palestinians held in the occupation’s prisons has risen by more than 83% since October 2023, exceeding 9,600 detainees, amid ongoing allegations of medical neglect, torture, and denial of basic rights.

Palestinian health and human rights organizations have warned of worsening conditions for detainees, particularly medical personnel.

The Palestinian Information Center has called for urgent action to save the lives of 16 doctors from Gaza, saying they are being held under extremely dangerous conditions.

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