88 Palestinians Return from West Bank to Gaza
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated on Monday the voluntary transfer and reunification of 88 individuals inside the Gaza Strip who had been separated from their families in the occupied West Bank. The ICRC moved the individuals from the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza to the Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza City, and facilitated their communication with their families as needed. The ICRC stated that it carried out this role as a neutral intermediary, with the prior and full consent of the individuals concerned, and reaffirmed its commitment to assisting those most in need.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) facilitated on Monday the voluntary transfer and reunification of 88 individuals inside the Gaza Strip who had been separated from their families in the occupied West Bank. According to its statement, the ICRC moved the individuals from the Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza to the Nasser Medical Complex in Gaza City, and facilitated their communication with their families as needed. The ICRC said it performed this role as a neutral intermediary, with the prior and full consent of the individuals concerned. It had contacted all individuals in advance to ensure their participation was voluntary and to check whether they needed assistance in contacting their families in Gaza or had specific medical needs. The ICRC reaffirmed its commitment to helping those most in need, including providing necessary support for family reunification and for those seeking to stay in touch with loved ones. Under international humanitarian law, family life must be respected as much as possible, the ICRC says, but much remains to be done to ensure that people in Gaza live in safety, dignity, and good health. To this end, the ICRC continues its humanitarian response.