Jerusalem: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is seriously concerned about the situation of Mohammadadib Ahmad Soleiman Qiq, a Palestinian detained and hospitalized in Israel. ICRC delegates, including a dedicated medical doctor monitoring the detainee's health condition, have had a regular access to Mr. Qiq and are in continuous bilateral dialogue with the Israeli authorities on humanitarian issues of concern.
Mr. Qiq has been on hunger strike for more than 60 days and has entered a critical stage, his life being at risk. "We encourage the patient, his representatives and the competent authorities involved to find a solution that will avoid any loss of life", said Javier Tena Rubio, a medical doctor of the ICRC.
The ICRC has been in close contact with Mr Qiq's family and has transmitted greetings and news between them. Under the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, detainees have a right to be visited by their families. In light of Mr. Qiq's situation, it is paramount that his family be able to see him as a matter of urgency.
Delegates of the ICRC as a neutral and independent humanitarian organization visit hunger strikers regularly in order to monitor their health condition and treatment. During their visits, ICRC staff seek to ensure that all detainees on hunger strike are fully aware of its implications, and that they are acting on their own initiative and of their own free will.
The ICRC delegation in Israel and the occupied territories reminds the authorities of their obligation under International Humanitarian Law to ensure that the rights and physical and psychological integrity of detainees on hunger strike are respected. This includes the choice for the detainee to continue or abandon the hunger strike, and the provision of proper care and treatment with his or her consent.
For further information, please contact:
Nadia Dibsy, ICRC Jerusalem, tel: +972 52 601 91 48
Krista Armstrong, ICRC Jerusalem, tel: +972 52 601 91 50
Sitara Jabeen, ICRC Geneva, tel: +41 79 536 9231
