GENEVA, March 15 (KUNA) -- The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Wednesday it reminded the Israeli authorities of their obligations under international humanitarian law as military operations continued in Jericho.
Detainees, said the ICRC, who are not participating in hostilities are protected under this body of law and are not military targets.
The humanitarian organization said that following the attack by the Israeli forces on the prison in Jericho civilians were abducted by Palestinian gunmen in the Gaza Strip.
The ICRC, added in a statement issued today, that the civilians abducted included humanitarian workers and an ICRC delegate, who was later released.
"The ICRC regularly visited the people detained by the Palestinian Authority at Jericho prison and expects to be given access to all detainees seized by the Israeli authorities during yesterday's operations. The ICRC also conducts regular visits to people detained by the Israeli authorities," said the ICRC.
According to the ICRC team in Jericho, said the humanitarian organization, ambulances of the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) had difficulty in reaching the scene and evacuating the wounded.
"Throughout Tuesday afternoon, the ICRC coordinated with the Palestinian Authority, the prison authorities, the PRCS and the IDF in an attempt to facilitate medical evacuations. The ICRC stands ready to support the medical system should new needs arise," said the ICRC.
According to the ICRC strict security measures have been taken in response to the current situation, but the ICRC remains present in the occupied Palestinian territories and remains committed to pursuing its humanitarian action.
