Jerusalem – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is concerned about the deteriorating health of Anas Shadid and Ahmad Abu Farra, who are hospitalized in Israel.

The two Palestinian detainees have been on hunger-strike for more than 50 days.

“At this very critical time, we encourage the patients, their representatives and the competent authorities to find a solution that will avoid any loss of life or irreversible damage to their health”, said Dr. Hishal, the ICRC’s Medical doctor who has regularly visited the detainees on hunger-strike.

ICRC delegates and medical staff continue visiting the detainees in order to monitor their health condition and treatment by prison and medical authorities, as per international rules and ethical standards, specifically Malta Declaration on Hunger-strikers (World Medical Association – 1991). The ICRC has been in close contact with their families, whom it has kept informed of developments, in accordance with their wishes, and transmitted personal news between them.

During their regular visits to detention facilities, ICRC staff seek to ensure that all detainees on hunger strike are treated humanely in accordance to the Fourth Geneva Convention, are fully aware of the implications of their decision, and that they are acting on their own initiative and free will.